Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, has disclosed that the government owes approximately £5 million in unpaid tuition and stipends to Ghanaian PhD students in the UK.
Speaking on PM Express Business Edition on Joy News on Thursday, she explained that the debt largely involves students who have already completed their studies but continue to seek payments based on the terms outlined in their award letters.
She noted that some beneficiaries finished their programmes as far back as 2023 but still expect stipends, arguing that these payments were guaranteed.
According to her, the issue is most significant among PhD candidates, whose combined claims now amount to millions of pounds.
Benson also mentioned rising tensions over the matter, including threats of protest from affected students. She revealed that some student leaders she met—including one identified as Pansa—have already completed and defended their theses.
She added that many of these graduates have moved on with their careers, with some already teaching at universities in the UK, while still awaiting payment of the outstanding stipends.
The High Commissioner stressed the need for stricter enforcement of scholarship policies, particularly for students who remain abroad after completing their studies. She pointed to provisions in the new scholarships act, stating that beneficiaries who choose to stay and work overseas may be required to refund the funds invested in their education.
Source: myjoyonline.com
