UG students with special needs demand immediate release of delayed bursaries

The Campus Association of Students with Special Needs (CASSN) at the University of Ghana, Legon, has appealed to the Government of Ghana and the Scholarship Secretariat to resolve delays in the disbursement of bursary payments.

The group, which represents students with disabilities, expressed deep concern over the prolonged delay, which is affecting their ability to pay tuition fees for the upcoming academic year.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 15 October 2024, signed by its President Foster Kudese, CASSN highlighted the serious impact of the delays, stating that many of their members are solely dependent on the bursaries for their education.

The uncertainty over the payments, which have been pending for over seven months, has caused anxiety and frustration within the student community.

“The delay is causing significant distress among our members, many of whom rely solely on these bursaries to cover their tuition fees for the upcoming academic year.

“The uncertainty surrounding our financial situation is creating a sense of anxiety and frustration within our community,” the statement said.

CASSN has called for immediate action, demanding a clear timeline for the release of the bursaries.

The association emphasised that students with special needs should not be disadvantaged due to these delays.

“Despite submitting our details and information over seven months ago, students with special needs have yet to receive any information regarding our annual bursary payments,” the statement noted.

It continued that: “Repeated follow-ups have yielded the same disheartening response: there are no funds available.”

The association issued an ultimatum to the government and the Scholarship Secretariat, warning that if the issue is not addressed within two weeks, it will have no choice but to stage a protest.

“If we do not receive a satisfactory response within two weeks, we will be forced to embark on a protest or demonstration to highlight this critical matter and demand the necessary action,” the association added.