The National Democratic Congress (NDC) minority has issued a strong statement, highlighting the alarming challenges faced by Ghanaian students studying abroad on government scholarships. These students, once regarded as some of the brightest minds, are now struggling to continue their education due to the government’s failure to fulfill its obligations. The consequences have not only been devastating for the students but have also tarnished Ghana’s international reputation.
A Dire Situation for Ghanaian Students
Ghanaian students studying in prestigious universities abroad, particularly in the United Kingdom, are facing extreme difficulties. Many of these students, awarded government scholarships to pursue postgraduate and doctoral studies, are now at risk of losing their academic standing. They are struggling to pay tuition fees, and some have already been expelled from their programs. Worse still, a growing number are under threat of deportation due to their inability to meet basic financial obligations.
The NDC minority statement accuses the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration of failing to honor its commitment to these students. By neglecting to pay tuition fees and stipends, the government has placed the futures of these students in grave jeopardy. The situation, according to the NDC, represents not just a failure of governance but a profound embarrassment for the entire nation.
The Government’s Neglect and Its Impact
The plight of Ghanaian students is rooted in the government’s failure to release funds for their tuition fees and living expenses. According to the NDC, delays in payments have forced several universities to withdraw students from their courses. For many PhD students, the situation has become unbearable. Some have gone for as long as 27 months without receiving the stipends promised by the government.
The affected students include those who enrolled in September/October 2021, many of whom are now forced into desperate situations just to survive. Some students have been unable to secure funds for basic sustenance, leaving them in precarious and dehumanizing circumstances. Male students, the NDC report claims, have resorted to selling sperm for amounts ranging from £150 to £250 in a bid to make ends meet. Female students, on the other hand, are reportedly being driven into exploitative and unwanted relationships just to afford shelter.
These shocking revelations highlight the extent of the students’ desperation. The NDC Minority emphasizes that no Ghanaian student should be subjected to such indignities, yet this has become the harsh reality for many under the current administration’s watch.
The Financial Toll
The financial burden on these students is staggering. According to the NDC, there are 927 postgraduate students, including 785 Master’s students and 142 PhD candidates, who have been left stranded by the government’s failure to fulfill its financial obligations. The total debt owed in tuition fees alone is estimated at £17.6 million, and this figure excludes the unpaid stipends necessary for their day-to-day living.
The consequences of the government’s inaction are not limited to the students themselves. Several foreign universities have severed ties with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, canceling Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) that had previously facilitated the education of Ghanaian students. The longer the government delays in addressing these financial obligations, the greater the damage to Ghana’s reputation and the trust that foreign institutions have in the country’s ability to manage its international scholarships.
Urgent Demands for Action
In light of the severe and widespread nature of this crisis, the NDC Minority has outlined a series of urgent demands directed at the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government. The party insists that the government must take immediate action to rectify the situation and restore the dignity of Ghanaian students abroad.
1. Immediate Payment of Tuition Fees and Stipends:
The government is urged to settle all outstanding tuition fees and stipends owed to Ghanaian students studying abroad. The NDC argues that the future of these students—and by extension, the future of Ghana—should not be jeopardized due to the government’s negligence.
2. Renegotiation of MOUs with Foreign Universities:
The NDC Minority calls on the government to reopen negotiations with universities that have canceled MOUs with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. Reestablishing these relationships is essential to ensure that future students are not denied opportunities to study abroad. Without these agreements, the NDC warns, Ghana risks losing access to critical academic partnerships that contribute to national development.
The NDC stresses that the government’s failure to act not only undermines the trust between Ghana and its students but also jeopardizes the nation’s future. Many of the students affected by this crisis are expected to return to Ghana and contribute their skills and expertise to the country’s development. By failing to support them, the government is effectively stifling the very growth it seeks to promote.
The Impact on Ghana’s Future
The NDC’s statement underscores the broader implications of the government’s neglect. The students stranded abroad are among Ghana’s best and brightest, and their education is crucial to the country’s long-term development. Without adequate support, the NDC warns, Ghana risks losing a generation of skilled professionals who could have contributed to national progress in sectors such as health, education, and technology.
Moreover, the government’s failure to meet its obligations to these students damages the trust that Ghanaians place in state institutions. The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, which is responsible for managing international scholarships, has seen its credibility eroded by this crisis. If left unresolved, the NDC argues, this situation could deter future students from seeking government support for international studies.
Conclusion
The NDC Minority has expressed its unwavering support for the affected students and their families. The party has vowed to use every available platform to hold the government accountable and to ensure that this crisis is resolved swiftly.
The Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, the NDC insists, must act immediately to avoid further embarrassment and lasting damage to the country’s image. Ghana’s future depends on the education of its youth, and the government has a responsibility to ensure that the students it sends abroad are not abandoned in their time of need.
The NDC concludes its statement by reiterating its commitment to the welfare of Ghana’s students and by calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians to demand action from the government. In the words of the NDC, “Ghana’s youth deserve better. The future of our country demands it.”
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