Release additional funds for tuition, stipends – Ghanaian students abroad plead with Akufo-Addo

Ghanaian students studying abroad have issued an open letter to President Nana Akufo-Addo, pleading for urgent financial assistance to address severe hardships resulting from the non-payment of stipends and tuition fees.

The students, based in countries such as the USA, Canada, Barbados, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic, have described their dire circumstances and called for immediate intervention from the government.

In the letter dated Monday, 9 September 2024, the students expressed their frustration over the government's failure to honour its commitments, stating stipends had not been paid for 18 months, with some students not receiving any payments for over two years.

"This lack of payment has left many of us vulnerable, with both male and female students becoming victims of unexpected situations," they wrote.

The letter highlighted the challenges the students were facing due to the non-payment of their stipends and tuition fees, including eviction from hostels and apartments, withdrawal letters from institutions, and the cancellation of visa statuses.

According to the letter, "female students are often forced into unwanted intimate relationships, and male students resort to seeking financial support from older women or selling sperm to make ends meet".

While government recently released USD50 million to address the issue, the students argue the amount was insufficient to cover the needs of all affected students across various countries. They called on President Akufo-Addo to recognise the gravity of their situation and release additional funds to cover outstanding tuition fees and stipends.

"We also urge the Office of the President and the Scholarship Secretariat to ensure the equal distribution of stipends among students," they emphasised.

"We appeal to you to release additional funds to cover the outstanding payments for tuition and stipends, ensuring that all students can complete their various programs without fear of expulsion or deportation."