Scholarship Validation Exercise Is Lawful And Does Not Impose New Obligations On Beneficiaries- GSA

The Ghana Scholarships Authority has issued a clarification on the ongoing Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise, stating that the process is lawful and does not impose any new obligations on beneficiaries.

In a press release dated August 10, 2026, the Authority said it had taken note of concerns raised by executives of the UK PhD Cohort regarding the exercise and welcomed constructive engagement from scholarship beneficiaries.

According to the GSA, some of the assertions made do not accurately reflect the legal and administrative basis of the exercise.

The Authority explained that the exercise is being conducted pursuant to the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 and the Oaths Act, 1972, and is being undertaken in collaboration with the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom.

Its purpose, the Authority noted, is to verify the status of scholarship awards, validate and update beneficiary records, and reaffirm commitments associated with government sponsorship.

It stressed that the exercise introduces no new condition or requirement to the scholarship programme.

On the issue of obligations, the GSA said every beneficiary accepted a scholarship subject to the execution of a scholarship bond, which includes an undertaking to return to Ghana within two months of completing the approved programme of study.

The Oath of Affirmation, it added, is only a formal reaffirmation of a commitment already made under those bonds and does not create any additional obligation.

The Authority further clarified that it has not altered or imposed new terms on existing scholarship bonds and that the current exercise is solely to confirm existing obligations and ensure records are accurate and up to date, meaning it does not constitute a retrospective application of new rules.

Regarding Letters of “No Objection” issued in respect of the United Kingdom’s Graduate Route, the Authority said these were granted at the request of individual beneficiaries who sought to undertake post-study professional experience under the two-year visa arrangement.

It noted that such letters did not constitute a waiver, cancellation or variation of the scholarship bond, and that the obligation to return to Ghana remains in force unless expressly and lawfully varied by the competent authority.

The Authority added that the Graduate Route provides an opportunity for beneficiaries to acquire additional professional skills that can ultimately contribute to Ghana’s human capital development.

The GSA also addressed concerns about outstanding tuition fees and stipend payments.

It acknowledged the difficulties such delays may cause and said it is actively engaging the Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions to facilitate settlement of outstanding obligations.

However, it stated that these payment issues are separate from the validation exercise, and that a delay in payment does not suspend the obligations in a scholarship bond, nor will any beneficiary lose a legitimate entitlement merely by participating in the exercise.

The Authority described government scholarships as a significant investment in Ghana’s human capital and said the validation exercise is intended to strengthen accountability, protect the integrity of the programme, ensure accurate beneficiary records, and promote fairness and transparency.

It called on all affected beneficiaries to honour the invitation and participate in the Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise without delay, adding that it remains committed to engaging beneficiaries respectfully, transparently and in good faith while administering the government’s scholarship programme with the highest standards of accountability and integrity.

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