Ghanaian doctoral students studying in the United Kingdom under the Ghana Scholarship Authority (GSA) have renewed concerns over delayed payment of tuition fees and stipends, saying the situation continues to disrupt their academic progress despite assurances of funding release.
The affected students, who are part of a government-sponsored PhD cohort, say outstanding financial obligations remain unsettled across several UK universities, leaving many under significant financial strain and struggling to meet basic academic and living costs.
In a statement issued on behalf of the cohort, the students said the prolonged delays have created uncertainty and hardship, with some institutions increasing pressure on beneficiaries over unpaid fees.
The group explained that tensions escalated in April 2026 when they had planned a protest in London to highlight their situation, but suspended the action after receiving indications that government funds had been released to address the arrears.
According to the students, the decision to halt the planned demonstration on April 17, 2026, was taken in good faith following a statement from the Ghana Scholarship Authority on April 16, which suggested that financial resources had been made available to settle outstanding payments.
Prior to the intended protest, students had reportedly gathered at Hyde Park, awaiting further direction from organisers before the intervention from authorities led to a pause in their action.
Following the suspension, representatives of the cohort engaged the Ghana High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, in discussions aimed at clarifying the status of the funds and seeking a clear resolution pathway.
However, the students now say the situation on the ground remains unchanged, with tuition arrears and stipend payments still outstanding, raising concerns about delays in the actual disbursement process.
They are urging the Government of Ghana, the Ghana Scholarship Authority, and other relevant stakeholders to urgently intervene to ensure that funds reach beneficiaries and prevent further disruption to academic work.
The cohort warned that continued delays could affect academic performance, student welfare, and Ghana’s standing with international academic institutions that host scholarship beneficiaries.
While expressing willingness to continue engaging authorities through dialogue, the students indicated that further action may be considered if the situation is not resolved promptly.
“We suspended our planned demonstration in good faith after assurances that funds had been released,” the statement said.
“However, the challenges persist, and urgent action is needed to prevent further hardship and disruption to our studies.”
The students say they are awaiting clear confirmation of payments and a definite timeline for settlement of all outstanding obligations.
