The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat has announced a potential breakthrough for Ghanaian students studying abroad, with the anticipated release of GH¢50 million to address financial difficulties caused by unpaid stipends and tuition fees. This announcement comes as a relief to many students who have been struggling to cope with the challenges of studying in foreign countries without financial support from the government.
Richard Gyamfi, Head of International Relations and Partnerships at the Scholarship Secretariat, shared the news, stating that the Ministry of Finance had indicated the release of some funds, although the amount falls short of what is required to settle all outstanding obligations. “The good news is that we got hinted by the Ministry [of Finance] that some funds, although not what we are expecting, have been released,” Gyamfi stated.
The announcement follows widespread reports of hardships faced by Ghanaian students abroad due to delays in the payment of stipends and tuition fees. Many students have faced threats of expulsion from their academic programs, difficulties in affording basic necessities, and a lack of access to essential resources, creating an urgent need for intervention.
Gyamfi emphasized that the Secretariat has been proactive in its efforts to address these issues. He explained that all the necessary paperwork had been completed to ensure the prompt transfer of funds to the Ghana International Bank, which would then work with the Ghanaian Embassy to facilitate the payments. “We have worked on all the necessary documentation, and we are just waiting for the funds to be transferred to the Ghana International Bank so that the Embassy can begin the disbursement process,” Gyamfi noted.
To secure these funds, the Secretariat has taken several unconventional steps, including engaging in numerous meetings with international partners and high-level officials to plead for urgent financial support. “We have actually had to go a non-conventional route by giving them letters that the registrar has written to high authorities, pleading with the Ministry of Finance to release funds so that we can pay,” Gyamfi explained. These efforts demonstrate the Secretariat’s commitment to ensuring that Ghanaian students receive the support they are entitled to.
Despite the release of GH¢50 million, the amount remains insufficient to cover all outstanding tuition fees and stipends owed to the students. Gyamfi highlighted that the Secretariat plans to prioritize tuition payments to prevent students from being expelled from their courses. “We are going to prioritize the tuition because we don’t want students to be kicked out of their courses,” he emphasized.
Gyamfi further explained that the decision to prioritize tuition payments was driven by the need to safeguard students’ academic futures. “Our primary concern is ensuring that students remain in their programs and are not forced to discontinue their studies due to non-payment of fees,” he added. The Secretariat acknowledges the difficulties faced by students whose stipends remain unpaid but insists that keeping students enrolled in their academic programs is the immediate priority.
In addition to these efforts, the Secretariat has been working closely with the Ministry of Finance to explore other funding options that could help cover the remaining expenses. According to Gyamfi, the Secretariat is hopeful that additional funds will be released in the coming months to meet the full financial needs of Ghanaian students abroad.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among students and stakeholders. While some are relieved that a portion of the funds will be released, others have expressed concerns about the inadequate amount and the impact of delayed payments on their academic performance and well-being. Many students have had to rely on personal savings, loans, or support from friends and family to sustain themselves while waiting for the funds.
The delay in funding has also raised questions about the government’s commitment to supporting Ghanaian students abroad. Some critics have called for a more transparent and timely disbursement process to prevent future occurrences of such hardships. They argue that the government should allocate sufficient resources to the Scholarship Secretariat to enable it to meet its obligations promptly.
In response to these concerns, the Secretariat has assured all stakeholders that it remains committed to supporting Ghanaian students and is working tirelessly to find sustainable solutions to the funding challenges. Gyamfi urged students to remain patient as the Secretariat continues to engage with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant bodies to secure additional funding.
“We understand the frustration and anxiety of our students abroad, and we are doing everything within our power to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. We are hopeful that more funds will be made available soon,” Gyamfi reassured.
As the Secretariat works to address the current funding shortfall, it has also begun reviewing its scholarship policies to prevent future financial crises. This includes improving communication with students and enhancing the efficiency of the disbursement process to ensure that funds are allocated appropriately and on time.
In conclusion, the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat’s announcement of the release of GH¢50 million offers a glimmer of hope for Ghanaian students studying abroad. While the amount is insufficient to meet all needs, the prioritization of tuition payments is a critical first step in alleviating the most pressing concerns. The Secretariat’s ongoing efforts to secure additional funds and its commitment to transparency and accountability will be key to ensuring that the challenges faced by students are effectively addressed and that their academic journeys remain uninterrupted.
