The Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has clarified that its ongoing Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise for Ghanaian scholarship beneficiaries in the United Kingdom does not introduce new obligations or retrospectively change the terms of existing scholarship agreements.
The Authority said the exercise is being conducted under the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 (Act 1149) and the Oaths Act, 1972 (NRCD 6), in collaboration with the Ghana High Commission in the UK.
The clarification follows concerns raised by executives of the UK PhD Cohort over the exercise.
According to the GSA, the exercise is aimed at verifying scholarship awards, updating beneficiary records and reaffirming commitments attached to government-sponsored scholarships.
Oath does not create new obligation
The Authority said beneficiaries accepted their scholarships subject to a scholarship bond, which requires them to return to Ghana within two months after completing their approved programmes of study.
It explained that the Oath of Affirmation simply formalises and reaffirms that existing commitment and does not constitute a new condition of the scholarship.
“The suggestion that beneficiaries are being compelled to accept a new obligation is therefore incorrect,” the GSA said.
The Authority maintained that it has neither altered nor varied the terms of existing scholarship bonds, adding that beneficiaries remain bound by the conditions they accepted when they received the scholarships.
UK Graduate Route does not waive return requirement
On concerns regarding beneficiaries who obtained “No Objection” letters to participate in the UK Graduate Route, the GSA said the letters were issued at the request of individual beneficiaries seeking post-study professional experience under the two-year visa arrangement.
The Authority stressed that the letters did not constitute a waiver, cancellation or variation of the scholarship bond.
It said participation in the Graduate Route could allow beneficiaries to acquire additional professional skills and experience that could contribute to Ghana’s human capital development.
However, the GSA maintained that the obligation to return to Ghana and fulfil the terms of the scholarship bond remains in force unless it is expressly and lawfully varied or set aside by the competent authority.
GSA addresses outstanding fees and stipends
The Authority also acknowledged concerns over outstanding tuition fees and stipend payments, saying it was aware of the difficulties delays could create for scholarship beneficiaries.
According to the GSA, it is engaging the Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions to facilitate the settlement of outstanding obligations.
It nevertheless stressed that payment delays are separate from the ongoing validation exercise.
The Authority said delays in tuition or stipend payments do not suspend the obligations contained in scholarship bonds, while participation in the validation exercise would not result in beneficiaries losing any legitimate entitlement.
GSA urges beneficiaries to participate
The GSA urged affected beneficiaries to participate in the validation exercise without delay, stressing that it should not be viewed as an adversarial process.
It said government scholarships represent a significant investment in Ghana’s human capital and come with responsibilities for both the State and beneficiaries.
While government is expected to honour its commitments to scholarship recipients, the Authority said beneficiaries are equally expected to fulfil the obligations they undertook when accepting government sponsorship.
The GSA said the exercise is ultimately intended to strengthen accountability, protect the integrity of the scholarship programme, ensure accurate beneficiary records and promote fairness and transparency.
The Authority assured beneficiaries that it would continue to engage them respectfully and transparently while administering the scholarship programme in accordance with standards of accountability and integrity.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
