The executive body of Ghanaian PhD students sponsored under the Ghana Scholarship Authority (GSA) in the United Kingdom has raised concerns over delays in the release and disbursement of scholarship funds, warning that the situation is severely affecting academic progress and welfare.
In a press statement issued on June 8, 2026, the group said government and the scholarship management body had failed to disburse funds to cover outstanding tuition fees and stipends, despite earlier indications that payments had been processed.
The students said that although they were initially informed that funds had been released in April 2026 to address outstanding commitments, no student within their cohort, or among undergraduate and master’s beneficiaries, has received any payments as of June 8.
According to the statement, the situation follows a meeting with the Ghana High Commission in the UK after students suspended planned demonstrations in London upon assurances that payments would be processed.
The group noted that during engagement with the High Commissioner, H.E Sabah Zita Benson, it was confirmed that funds had been released on April 16, 2026, with assurances that disbursement would begin the following week. However, they say those assurances have not materialised.
The students added that repeated engagements with relevant authorities, including petitions to the UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and appeals to President John Dramani Mahama, have not resulted in a resolution.
They further claimed that ongoing delays have led to serious academic and social consequences, including withdrawal, suspension, and visa revocations for some students due to unpaid tuition fees. Others, they said, have completed their studies but are unable to graduate due to outstanding debts.
The statement also alleged that several UK universities have begun pursuing students for unpaid fees through debt collection agencies, while some students are reportedly owed up to 40 months of stipends.
The group further raised concerns over what they described as administrative gaps in the issuance of renewal letters for continuing students, which they say has affected their immigration status and ability to remain in the UK.
They also highlighted worsening living conditions, stating that some students are now relying on food banks, informal support from friends, or facing legal action over rent arrears linked to unpaid stipends.
On funding, the group said they had been informed that the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, had released funds for the first quarter. However, they claim only about GH¢37 million out of an allocated GH¢256 million has been disbursed, representing a fraction of the total budget.
According to them, the UK component of the allocation remains insufficient to address outstanding obligations, with disbursement yet to commence fully.
The students also criticised what they described as limited engagement from the Director-General of the Scholarship Secretariat, alleging minimal interaction with affected students despite repeated assurances of regular consultations.
They are therefore calling on government, particularly President John Dramani Mahama and the Finance Ministry, to urgently release sufficient funds to address outstanding payments and avert further disruptions to students’ academic progress.
The group further appealed to UK authorities to continue engaging Ghana on the matter, stressing that sustained education partnerships depend on the welfare and stability of sponsored students.
They warned that if the situation persists, they may be compelled to resume protests in London to draw renewed attention to their plight.
Below are copies of emails sent as proof
