- £17m unpaid tuition fees owed to 927 Ghanaian scholarship students in UK
- Government's inaction leads to university withdrawals and deportation threats
- Students resort to extreme measures for survival
- Opposition calls for immediate government intervention
The Ghanaian government is facing a crisis as it owes £17 million in unpaid tuition fees to 927 scholarship students studying in the United Kingdom. This staggering debt has been accumulating for 27 months, leaving these students in an extremely vulnerable position.
According to Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament, the government’s failure to pay these fees has severe consequences. Some universities have withdrawn their support, canceling Memoranda of Understanding with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. This has led to students being withdrawn from their programs, denied in-person classes, and even facing deportation and prosecution.
The situation is dire, with some students resorting to desperate measures to survive. Male students have reportedly sold their sperm, while female students have turned to prostitution. This is unacceptable and highlights the urgent need for government intervention.
Dr. Apaak emphasized that the Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government must act immediately to prevent further national embarrassment. The government’s inaction has already damaged Ghana’s reputation and jeopardized the education and well-being of its citizens.
The scholarship students, who were once proud representatives of Ghana, now face uncertainty and hardship. Their education, which was meant to empower them to contribute to Ghana’s development, is being threatened by the government’s negligence.
The opposition is calling for swift action to address this crisis. The government must prioritize the payment of these tuition fees to restore the students’ dignity and secure their future.
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat’s Memoranda of Understanding with UK universities were established to provide opportunities for Ghanaian students. However, the government’s failure to honor its financial commitments has undermined these partnerships.
This crisis has far-reaching implications, affecting not only the students but also Ghana’s international relations and reputation. The government must take responsibility and resolve this issue promptly.
The opposition demands transparency and accountability in the management of scholarship funds. The government must provide a clear plan to settle the debt and ensure that such crises are avoided in the future.
Ultimately, the fate of 927 Ghanaian students hangs in the balance. The government must act now to safeguard their education, dignity, and future.
