The Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Kwaku Asafo Agyei, has announced a series of sweeping reforms aimed at restoring fairness, discipline, and purpose to Ghana’s scholarship system.

He expressed concern that, over the years, some well-connected individuals and their relatives have benefited from government-funded scholarships they could have easily afforded themselves.

Speaking to Nana Kwadwo Jantuah on Nhyira Fm’s ‘Kro Yi Mu Nsem’ show, Mr. Asafo Agyei asserted that Ghana’s scholarships are not for sale.

He revealed that a new vetting committee has been formed to scrutinize applications more rigorously and ensure that only deserving candidates benefit.

“That era must end, we are repositioning the Secretariat to focus on brilliant but genuinely needy Ghanaian students. There is a committee set up to validate all applications and ensure that scholarships are given on merit,” he stated.

According to him, scholarship awards will now be reviewed annually, with continued support tied to academic performance, a shift intended to reward hard work and promote accountability.

"If we give you a scholarship, we shall assess your performance every year and if it is below expectation the scholarship will be revoked. We will not waste public funds on you while you don't learn and do other things," he stressed.

The Registrar also pointed out that going forward, the Secretariat will no longer sponsor students to study courses that are already available at Ghanaian universities. Instead, priority will be given to disciplines that align with Ghana’s future workforce needs, particularly in the sciences, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

"I am informing all Ghanaians that the Scholarship Secretariat will no longer sponsor beneficiaries to do programs outside the country while such programs are available in Ghana. We are cutting cost on the public purse," Mr. Asafo-Agyei indicated.

He indicated that the Secretariat would no longer focus solely on academia. The new policy direction includes extending support to individuals in the informal sector, recognizing their role in national development and the need to build their capacity as well.

"Scholarships will be given to those in the informal sector to travel outside the country to learn and come back to improve their respective sectors. For example mechanics, artisans and farmers," he stated.

Touching on the financial strain the Secretariat is currently facing, he disclosed that Ghana owes significant scholarship-related debts to countries like the United Kingdom, France, and Russia, a situation made worse by the rising cost of overseas education.

He also revealed that the Secretariat currently has outstanding stipend payments totaling £13 million.

He expressed concerns about the high number of graduates who enjoyed government scholarships abroad but are unwilling to return to help the country.

According to him, any student who chooses that path will automatically forfeit future stipends.

“No Objection Letters will be approved for graduates who were funded by government to stay abroad. These letters allow them to remain and work in their host countries after graduation. Any student who wants to finish and stay abroad automatically forfeits their stipends as soon as your letter is received," said Mr. Asafo Adjei.

To bring structure and enforcement to these reforms, the Registrar disclosed that a bill currently before Parliament’s Legal Committee seeks to transform the Secretariat into a statutory authority. If passed, this would give the institution power to convert scholarship benefits into loans, especially in cases where beneficiaries refuse to return to Ghana after their studies.

“These steps are necessary if we want to protect public resources and invest wisely in the future of this country. The goal is not just to send people abroad, but to develop minds that will return and help build Ghana,” he stated.