Over 100 Ghanaian PhD Students in UK Seek Urgent Help over Unpaid Scholarships
Over 100 Ghanaian PhD students in the United Kingdom (UK) have appealed to Mr Keir Starmer, Prime Minister for an immediate assistance, indicating that unpaid government scholarships are putting them at risk of deportation, eviction, and serious financial hardship. According to a claim they made, the Ghanaian government owes millions in tuition and living costs, which has led some universities to suspend their studies and triggered actions by the UK Home Office. Prince Komla Bansah, leader of the student group, explained that many students rely on family support or loans, as the demands of a PhD make part-time work nearly impossible. Those affected are enrolled at institutions including University College London, Robert Gordon University, and the universities of Nottingham, Bradford, Warwick, Lincoln, and Liverpool. They have faced unpaid tuition since 2024, missed maintenance payments, and delayed scholarship letters, all of which have disrupted their studies. Ghanaian officials say the problem stems from debts left by previous governments, totaling around £32 million owed to about 110 UK universities. The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat is reviewing the matter and negotiating payment plans, although some universities have already withdrawn support. While the government says it has made “significant payments,” students insist that the backlog remains and question why new scholarships are being awarded while older debts remain unsettled.
