NDC condemns govt over neglect of Ghanaian students on scholarships abroad

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has raised concerns over the dire situation facing Ghanaian students studying abroad on government scholarships, accusing the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration of gross neglect.

In a statement issued by Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Education Committee, the NDC called attention to the "heart-wrenching" plight of students unable to pay tuition fees, with some facing expulsion and possible deportation.

According to the statement, the government’s failure to honour its financial commitments has left many of these students stranded and humiliated.

Of particular concern is the delay in paying stipends and tuition fees for postgraduate students, with some reports indicating that PhD students have gone without their stipends for as long as 27 months.

Dr. Apaak noted that 927 students pursuing postgraduate degrees—785 Master’s students and 142 PhDs—are suffering due to the government's inability to settle debts amounting to £17.6 million in tuition fees.

This figure excludes unpaid stipends, which have left students unable to meet their basic needs.

Some students, out of desperation, have resorted to extreme measures to survive.

Reports claim that male students are selling sperm for as little as £150, while female students are being forced into exploitative relationships just to secure shelter and meet their basic needs.

Dr. Apaak stressed that such indignities should never befall Ghanaian students abroad.

Beyond the personal struggles of the students, the NDC also warned of the damage to Ghana’s international reputation, as several universities have reportedly withdrawn support and cancelled Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat due to non-payment of fees.