President John Dramani Mahama has announced that his administration will introduce a Scholarships Authority Bill in Parliament, designed to overhaul the management of government scholarships and guarantee greater transparency, fairness and accountability.

Speaking during a national broadcast on the progress of his 120-Day Social Contract, Mr Mahama revealed that Cabinet has already granted policy approval for the legislation and that it will be tabled when Parliament reconvenes.

He noted that the move responds to widespread concerns over inequities and political interference in the current scholarship framework.

“To ensure fairness and transparency and eliminate political patronage and corruption in awarding government scholarships, we promised to lay before Parliament a new bill to streamline administration and prohibit political appointees from accessing government scholarships,” the President stated.

The proposed Ghana Scholarships Authority will be tasked with administering a merit-based system that prioritises genuinely needy and deserving students.

“Cabinet has given policy approval for the new Scholarships Authority Bill to be laid before Parliament to fulfil this promise. I hope Parliament will consider and pass this bill expeditiously when it resumes sitting,” Mr Mahama added.