Dozens of Ghanaian PhD students studying in the United Kingdom under the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS) scheme are at risk of deportation and academic withdrawal due to long-standing delays in the payment of tuition fees and stipends.
According to a petition addressed to Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Her Excellency Zita Benson, the affected scholars revealed that many have gone between four months and four years without receiving their entitled funds.
The group, representing over 110 government-sponsored PhD candidates, said the situation has pushed several students into academic and financial distress — with some unable to register for the new academic year, access their university portals, or even graduate.
“Some of our members have completed their studies but cannot graduate. Others attended ceremonies but were denied certificates due to unpaid tuition fees,” the PhD Students’ Executive in the UK lamented.
While the GSS reportedly made partial payments recently, the students say the disbursements fall far short of clearing mounting arrears. Data from 86 members shows that at least 30 students have not received any funding at all for the 2024/2025 academic year.
They estimate that an additional £400,000 will be required to sustain their education for the 2025/2026 academic session. Alarmingly, about 10 students have already been withdrawn from their universities and could face deportation from the UK Home Office.
Beyond academic setbacks, some students have been evicted from accommodation or are battling legal cases over unpaid rent. Others, who need to travel to Ghana for data collection, are stranded due to a lack of funds and fear losing their UK visas.
The group also cited delays in renewal letters, progression reviews, and Letters of No Objection (LONO) — documents required for re-enrolment and post-study work opportunities. Thirty-six students reportedly cannot register this year because of these administrative lapses.
“For nearly ten months, we have received no progression reviews or renewal letters from the GSS,” the statement said.
“We appeal to the High Commissioner and His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama to intervene urgently to resolve the issue and ensure prompt payments.”
While acknowledging reforms within the Scholarships Secretariat, the students insist that beneficiaries should not bear the consequences of bureaucratic inefficiencies.
“Students should not suffer because of administrative errors and delays caused by public officials,” they added.
The affected scholars are urging Ghana’s government to take swift action to prevent further academic disruptions, deportations, and reputational damage to the country’s scholarship program abroad.
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