The Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has responded to concerns raised by executives of the UK PhD Cohort over the ongoing Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise, saying the process is lawful and does not impose new obligations on beneficiaries.
In a statement signed by the Director-General, the Authority said it welcomes engagement from scholarship beneficiaries but noted that some assertions made do not reflect the legal and administrative basis of the exercise.
1. The Exercise Is Lawful
According to GSA, the validation exercise is being conducted pursuant to the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 (Act 1149) and the Oaths Act, 1972 (NRCD 6).
It is being undertaken in collaboration with the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom.
The purpose, the Authority said, is to verify scholarship awards, update beneficiary records, and reaffirm commitments under Government sponsorship.
“The exercise introduces no new condition or requirement to the scholarship programme,” the statement stressed.
2. “No New Obligation Created”
GSA clarified that every beneficiary signed a scholarship bond which included an undertaking to return to Ghana within two months of completing their programme.
The Oath of Affirmation, it explained, is only a formal reaffirmation of that existing commitment and does not create any additional obligation.
“The suggestion that beneficiaries are being compelled to accept a new obligation is therefore incorrect,” the Authority said.
3. No Retrospective Rules
The Authority further stated that it has not altered or imposed new terms on existing scholarship bonds.
“The current exercise is solely intended to confirm those existing obligations and ensure that the Authority’s records are accurate and up to date. It does not constitute the retrospective application of a new rule,” it added.
4. Letters Of “No Objection” And UK Graduate Route
On concerns about Letters of “No Objection” for the UK Graduate Route, GSA said these were issued at the request of beneficiaries who wanted to undertake post-study professional experience under the UK’s two-year visa arrangement.
The Authority clarified that the letters did not waive or cancel the scholarship bond.
“The Graduate Route provides an opportunity for beneficiaries to acquire additional professional skills and experience which can contribute to Ghana’s human capital development,” it noted.
5. Outstanding Fees And Stipends
Addressing delays in tuition and stipend payments, GSA acknowledged the challenges and said it is actively engaging the Ministry of Finance and other institutions to settle outstanding obligations.
However, it stressed that payment delays do not suspend the obligations in the scholarship bond.
“A delay in the payment of tuition or stipends does not suspend the obligations contained in a scholarship bond, nor will any beneficiary lose a legitimate entitlement merely by participating in the validation exercise,” the statement said.
6. Why The Validation Matters
The Authority said the exercise is not adversarial and is meant to strengthen accountability, protect the integrity of the scholarship programme, and ensure fairness and transparency.
“Government scholarships represent a significant investment in Ghana’s human capital. That investment carries responsibilities for both parties,” GSA stated.
Call To Beneficiaries
The Ghana Scholarships Authority is urging all affected beneficiaries to honour the invitation and participate in the Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise without delay.
It reaffirmed its commitment to engage beneficiaries “respectfully, transparently and in good faith” while ensuring the scholarship programme is administered with the highest standards of accountability.
