The Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom has confirmed that it will proceed with the planned verification and oath-taking exercise for Ghanaian PhD students studying in the UK under sponsorship from the Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA).
The decision has generated concerns among representatives of the scholarship beneficiaries, who have questioned the need for an additional oath-taking exercise.
The students have described the requirement as discriminatory and unnecessary, arguing that they had already signed scholarship bonds committing them to return to Ghana after completing their studies.
In a statement issued on Friday, August 7, 2026, representatives of the students also questioned the basis for the new oath-taking requirement and raised concerns about outstanding tuition fees and scholarship stipends.
Ghana High Commission Defends Scholarship Verification
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, has defended the planned exercise, explaining that the scholarship agreements already signed by beneficiaries give the Ghana Scholarships Authority the authority to impose measures aimed at monitoring compliance.
According to Madam Benson, the scholarship bonds require beneficiaries to comply with conditions established by the GSA, including participation in surveys, evaluations and other monitoring activities.
She also highlighted a provision requiring scholarship beneficiaries to return to Ghana within two months after completing their studies.
The High Commissioner explained that beneficiaries who fail to fulfil the conditions attached to their scholarships could be required to refund the scholarship funds they received from the government.
Government Rejects Guaranteed Jobs for Scholarship Beneficiaries
Madam Benson also rejected calls from the students for a guaranteed pathway into Ghana’s job market after completing their PhD programmes.
She said the scholarship agreements do not contain any commitment by the government to guarantee employment or reintegration into the Ghanaian labour market.
“In the bond they signed, I see no obligation by Government to reintegrate them into society,” she said.
The High Commissioner further questioned why some of the concerns currently being raised were not addressed earlier, noting that the affected students received their Ghana government scholarships between 2020 and 2025.
GSA Says Verification Exercise Will Continue
Madam Benson also dismissed claims that the new oath-taking requirement amounts to the retrospective application of a new condition.
She maintained that the Ghana Scholarships Authority has the mandate to introduce appropriate measures to ensure that beneficiaries comply with the terms and conditions of their government-sponsored scholarships.
“The Ghana High Commission, acting on behalf of the GSA, shall go ahead with the planned verification and oath-taking,” she stated.
According to the High Commissioner, the exercise is being conducted in the interest of Ghanaian taxpayers and is intended to ensure that beneficiaries fulfil their obligations under the scholarship programme.
The development comes amid ongoing discussions between the Ghana High Commission, Ghana Scholarships Authority and PhD students in the United Kingdom over scholarship conditions, payments and post-study obligations.
The verification and oath-taking exercise is therefore expected to remain a key issue for Ghanaian government-sponsored students pursuing doctoral studies in the UK.
Source: newsthemegh.com