Some Ghanaian students studying in Serbia are appealing to the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat to release their stipend since the delay has brought untoward hardship.
They say these stipends, crucial for their academic and daily living expenses, have not been disbursed for nearly a year.
In an interview with Citi News, Abdul Salam Mohammed, a Ghanaian Student in Serbia said, “We came in May [2023] and we haven’t received our stipends since last year, so it’s almost been 11 months. Even though we’ve had constant engagement with the Secretariat, nothing has been done about it and this has been a challenge for us. Many of us are adapting by doing a lot of menial jobs here and that is also affecting our academics."
Another student said; “I arrived in Serbia last year and the main challenge here is with finances. We struggle to cater for many of our needs here and this affects our studies which is the main reason why we’re in this country. We borrow money from our country mates and people from other African countries to feed ourselves. Even moving to the main campus for lectures is by bus and if we don’t have money to do that, how do we learn.”
The appeal by the students comes days after an exposé by The Fourth Estate revealed disparities in the allocation of scholarships.
Among other things, the investigation revealed that scholarships were sometimes offered to individuals from financially stable homes.
These individuals include daughters of Ghanaian lawyer and politician, Freddie Blay and former Inspector General of Police, David Asante-Apeatu.
The report further revealed that while some people do not get the scholarships and even if they do, struggle to get their stipend from the government, others are awarded double scholarships by the secretariat.
Consequently, the controversy has stirred up public outrage, with some calling for the interdiction and dismissal of the registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang.
Read also: We have been investigating Scholarship Secretariat since July 2023 – OSP
Meanwhile, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) says it has been investigating the Secretariat since July last year.
According to the OSP, the Secretariat is one of the institutions it is actively investigating for corruption and corruption-related activities.
“The Office of the Special Prosecutor commenced investigations into suspected corruption and corruption-related offences at the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat circa July 2023. The investigation is active and ongoing,” the OSP said.
Latest Stories
-
There are greener pastures in Ghana-Prof. Owusu-Dabo optimistic of country’s potential
46 mins -
Myjoyonline Interview with Abubakar Tahiru: Guinness World Record Holder for ‘Most Trees Hugged In An Hour’
53 mins -
JoyNews’ Clinton Yeboah honoured at 2023 Int’l Sports Media Awards in Spain
2 hours -
14 PWDs selected for maiden Africa Health Collaborative Medicine Counter Assistant training
2 hours -
Manchester United open to offers for nearly all of squad
2 hours -
Price of LPG per kilogramme constitutes 22% of taxes – LPG Marketers Association
4 hours -
Nigeria appoint Finidi George as new Super Eagles boss
5 hours -
Elevating Ghana’s creative industry: A blueprint for competing with Nigeria and South Africa
6 hours -
Poor finishing a problem for Asante Kotoko throughout the season – Prosper Ogum
6 hours -
Samini teams up with Francis Osei for ‘Sticks N Locks’ EP
6 hours -
Government should resource record labels – Seven Xavier
7 hours -
I need majority in parliament to successfully complete my term – Akufo-Addo pleads
7 hours -
Next NDC government will not recognise illegal contracts signed by current administration – Sammy Gyamfi
7 hours -
Premier League clubs vote in favour of spending cap plans
7 hours -
Nigeria’s fuel crisis brings businesses to a halt
7 hours