The President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), Daniel Korley Botchway, is calling on the government to urgently reform the country’s scholarship system, following alarming reports that 185 Ghanaian students studying at the University of Memphis face possible dismissal and deportation due to delayed payments from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat.
According to multiple reports, the government currently owes the university nearly $3.6 million, of which only $400,000 has been paid. This shortfall has left students stranded—unable to pay tuition, secure housing, or meet basic living expenses.
Speaking on Campus Exclusive on Radio Univers, Mr. Botchway emphasized that the problem extends far beyond the United States.
“We also have students in the UK, Cuba, Russia, and Togo facing similar challenges. Many of them are unable to meet basic needs or continue their academic programs,” he said.
While some government ministries are reportedly working to resolve the crisis, Botchway criticized the response as slow and uncoordinated.
“Government is doing it bit by bit… but we have so many students out there, and the finances to cover everything are being raised in bits,” he added.
This development comes in the wake of the recent suspension of the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill, which aimed to reform the administration of scholarships in Ghana. Botchway acknowledged some positive elements in the bill but warned that without structural safeguards, the same problems could persist.
“If you read the memorandum attached to the bill, it claims to address nepotism and ensure scholarships go to deserving students. That’s a good start. But there must be checks and balances. Scholarships should not be awarded through favoritism or political connections,” he stated.
The NUGS President further stressed the need for a realistic, budget-based approach to scholarship disbursement, to prevent future disruptions.
“One of the key things we’re pushing for is that scholarships should be awarded according to available funds. What we will not want to see again is students being stranded abroad without tuition, stipends or any means of survival.”
NUGS is calling on the government to treat the issue as a national emergency, warning that continued delays could result in mass withdrawals, deportations, and long-term reputational damage to Ghana’s scholarship programs.
The Union reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian students globally and pledged to continue engaging with key stakeholders until sustainable, long-term solutions are adopted.
-
Story by Holy Mavo Atsu|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
