The Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has defended its ongoing Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise for Ghanaian PhD beneficiaries in the United Kingdom, insisting that the process is legally grounded and does not introduce new conditions for scholarship recipients.
The exercise follows concerns raised by executives of the UK PhD Cohort and 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.
According to the GSA, the exercise is aimed at confirming the authenticity of scholarship awards, updating beneficiary information and reaffirming commitments that recipients accepted when they received government sponsorship.
The Authority stressed that the oath does not create any additional obligation for beneficiaries.
It explained that scholarship recipients were already required under their bond agreements to return to Ghana within two months after completing their approved programmes of study.
“The Oath of Affirmation does not introduce any additional obligation,” the GSA stated, describing the process as a formal confirmation of commitments that beneficiaries had previously undertaken.
The Authority also dismissed concerns that it was retrospectively changing the terms of existing scholarship arrangements.
It said the conditions contained in the scholarship bonds remain unchanged and that the validation exercise is simply intended to verify those obligations and ensure beneficiary records are complete and accurate.
Graduate Route clarification
The GSA also addressed concerns surrounding “No Objection” letters issued to some beneficiaries who sought to remain in the UK under the Graduate Route after completing their studies.
The Authority explained that the letters were issued at the request of individual beneficiaries who wanted to obtain additional professional experience under the UK’s applicable two-year Graduate Route arrangement.
However, it emphasised that receiving a “No Objection” letter did not amount to a cancellation, waiver or amendment of a beneficiary’s scholarship bond.
The GSA said the Graduate Route could provide recipients with an opportunity to develop additional skills and gain professional experience that could eventually benefit Ghana’s human capital development.
It maintained, however, that the obligation to return to Ghana remains valid unless the terms of the bond are formally and lawfully changed or set aside by the appropriate authority.
GSA addresses payment concerns
The Authority also acknowledged complaints from some beneficiaries regarding delays in the payment of tuition fees and stipends.
It said discussions were ongoing with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant agencies to facilitate the payment of outstanding obligations.
The GSA, however, maintained that payment delays were separate from the validation exercise and did not suspend or invalidate the commitments contained in scholarship bonds.
It also assured beneficiaries that participation in the exercise would not result in the loss of any legitimate entitlement.
The Authority said it does not regard the validation exercise as a confrontation with beneficiaries and urged them to approach the process in the same spirit.
It explained that government-funded scholarships represent a major investment in Ghana’s human capital and therefore come with responsibilities for both the state and recipients.
While government is expected to honour its financial and other commitments to scholarship beneficiaries, the GSA said recipients are equally expected to comply with the conditions they accepted when they received their sponsorship.
The Authority said the validation exercise is ultimately intended to strengthen accountability, protect the credibility of the scholarship programme, improve record-keeping and promote fairness and transparency.
The GSA has consequently urged all affected beneficiaries to participate in the Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise as requested.
It further assured beneficiaries that it would continue to engage them respectfully and transparently while working to ensure that the administration of Ghana’s scholarship programme remains accountable and credible.
