Parliament is expected to pass the National Scholarship Authority Bill by the end of this week, marking a major step toward reforming Ghana’s scholarship administration and strengthening accountability mechanisms.
The urgency follows mounting concerns over a diplomatic and educational crisis involving nearly 200 Ghanaian students at the University of Memphis in the United States. These students are reportedly facing eviction, academic withdrawal, and visa complications due to unpaid tuition and accommodation fees—obligations that were to be covered under a 2023 Memorandum of Understanding between the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat and the university, with an agreed sum of $3.6 million.
Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, speaking on Citi FM’s Breakfast Show on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, said the situation has triggered a swift legislative response.
“Some students have been evicted from their hostels, and others are being asked to leave the U.S. entirely. What is even more alarming is the need to investigate how these scholarships were awarded, as we are seeing clear signs of corruption and nepotism,” he stated.
In light of the scandal, President John Mahama has directed that the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat be placed under the Ministry of Education to ensure better supervision.
“That is why the President has directed that the scholarship sector now fall under the Ministry of Education for more effective oversight,” Nortsu-Kotoe added.
He further disclosed that the Minister for Education has already laid the National Scholarship Authority Bill before Parliament. The proposed legislation, currently under review by the Education Committee, seeks to establish a governing board that will oversee the awarding of scholarships and improve transparency and efficiency within the system.
“We discussed the bill yesterday, and I can confidently say that by the end of this week, Parliament will pass it. The new law will establish a board responsible for monitoring scholarships and streamlining the process,” Nortsu-Kotoe assured.
