Ghana’s government faces mounting pressure as it owes £17 million in unpaid tuition fees for 927 Ghanaian students on scholarship in the United Kingdom.
The debt, which has accumulated over 27 months, has led to universities withdrawing support and canceling agreements with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat.
Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Ranking Member of Ghana’s Education Committee, highlighted the critical impact of the government’s failure to pay, stating that many students are facing extreme hardships, with some even risking deportation, arrest, and prosecution.
In desperation, reports suggest that some male students have resorted to selling their sperm, while female students are engaging in prostitution to make ends meet.
The lack of financial support has led to the withdrawal of students from schools, uncertain immigration statuses, and further humiliating survival measures.
Dr. Apaak is calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s government to address the issue immediately to avoid further national embarrassment and protect the welfare of the affected students.
Report by Dede Devies