‘If my uncle is Ken Ofori-Atta, it doesn't mean I have money’ — Jay Hyde jabs The Fourth Estate's ‘Scholarship Bonanza’ exposé

Isaac Jay Hyde, the Deputy National Youth Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has reacted to The Fourth Estate's investigative piece titled 'Scholarship Bonanza,' which revealed the alleged corruption in the award of scholarships to individuals with connections to influential figures in the ruling party.

The investigative report uncovered instances where scholarships were reportedly granted to children, relatives, and associates of powerful politicians and their cronies, contrary to the Scholarship Secretariat's mandate to support academically gifted but financially needy students.

Initially denied access to the list of beneficiaries by the Scholarship Secretariat in March 2021, The Fourth Estate persisted by reporting the Secretariat to the Right to Information (RTI) Commission.

The Commission ruled in favour of the media house, emphasising the importance of transparency, albeit with personal information redacted.

Subsequently, it was revealed that substantial amounts of public funds, totaling GHS 237.5 million in 2019 and GHS 200 million in 2020, were allocated by the Scholarship Secretariat for both local and foreign scholarships.

Among the beneficiaries were reportedly children of prominent figures, including the former National Chairman of the NPP and a former Inspector General of Police, sparking public outrage and calls for transparency from the Scholarship Secretariat.

During a panel discussion on TV3's New Day Show hosted by Berla Mundi, Jay Hyde addressed the issue, emphasising that family connections to influential figures do not necessarily guarantee financial wealth or privilege.

He remarked, "If my uncle is Ken Ofori-Atta, it doesn't mean I have money."

Listen to him in the video below;

"If my uncle is Ken Ofori-Atta, it doesn't mean I have money" - Isaac Jay Hyde on the Fourth Estate's ‘Scholarship Bonanza’, which names persons close to key government officials as beneficiaries of scholarships.#TV3NewDay pic.twitter.com/qTRw0hJlQ6 — #TV3GH (@tv3_ghana) April 10, 2024