Validation exercise will not affect benefits — Ghana Scholarships Authority assures UK PhD scholars

The Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has clarified that the ongoing Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise for beneficiaries in the United Kingdom does not introduce any new obligation on scholarship recipients.

The clarification follows concerns raised by executives of the UK PhD Cohort over the exercise, particularly claims that beneficiaries were being required to accept new conditions.

The GSA said the exercise is intended to validate scholarship records and reaffirm existing commitments made by beneficiaries under their scholarship bonds.

In a statement issued on Monday, August 10, the Authority said the exercise is being conducted under the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 (Act 1149), and the Oaths Act, 1972 (NRCD 6).

“The Oath of Affirmation does not introduce any additional obligation. It is a formal reaffirmation of a commitment that beneficiaries had already made under their scholarship bonds,” the Authority said.

According to the GSA, every beneficiary accepted a scholarship subject to a scholarship bond, which includes an undertaking to return to Ghana within two months after completing the approved programme of study.

It said the current validation exercise does not alter, vary or impose new terms on existing scholarship bonds.

The Authority also rejected suggestions that the exercise amounts to the retrospective application of a new rule, saying the obligations contained in the bonds remain unchanged.

On the United Kingdom's Graduate Route, the GSA explained that Letters of “No Objection” issued to some beneficiaries were granted to enable them to undertake post-study professional experience under the applicable two-year Graduate Route visa arrangement.

It said the letters did not waive, cancel or vary the beneficiaries’ scholarship bonds.

“The obligation to return to Ghana and fulfil the commitments under the scholarship bond therefore remains in force unless it is expressly and lawfully varied or set aside by the competent authority,” the Authority said.

The GSA, however, acknowledged concerns raised over outstanding tuition fees and stipend payments.

It said it is engaging the Ministry of Finance and other relevant institutions to facilitate the settlement of outstanding obligations owed to beneficiaries.