The Office of the President has ordered investigations into allegations that individuals paid bribes to secure government-sponsored overseas scholarships.

The directive, signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, follows a widely circulated radio discussion that has sparked public outrage and raised serious questions about the integrity of a key national educational programme.

The controversy stems from a discussion aired on Sompa 106.5 FM, during which a panelist, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, the former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), alleged that an individual paid money to secure a scholarship for study abroad.

In a formal directive addressed to the Director-General of the National Investigation Bureau (NIB), the President's office stated it had reviewed the Twi-language broadcast, which has since gained wide public traction.

The directive categorises the allegations as "serious and of grave public concern," noting they directly contradict the government's stated commitment to "transparency, integrity, and equal access to educational opportunities."

Consequently, President Mahama has instructed the NIB to immediately investigate the allegation, establish its factual basis, identify any persons involved, and determine the veracity of the claims made.

The Bureau has been directed to submit its findings directly to the President for his consideration and "for any appropriate action that may arise therefrom."