Ghanaian students abroad suspend protest over 11-month stipend delay

The Coalition of Ghana Scholars Abroad has suspended a planned demonstration over the prolonged non-payment of stipends and book allowances, citing what they describe as mounting pressure and interference from Ghanaian diplomatic missions.

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 4, the coalition—which comprises Ghanaian students on government scholarships in countries such as Hungary and Morocco—said its decision to call off the protest was informed by “a series of pressures and undue influence” from some of Ghana’s foreign missions.

The students, many of whom have gone nearly 11 months without receiving their entitled allowances, have repeatedly raised concerns over the financial strain this has caused. The delays span parts of two academic years, despite several failed attempts to engage the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat to seek redress.

According to the statement, unnamed diplomatic offices attempted to dissuade the protest by suggesting that continued support and cooperation were contingent on the students remaining silent.

“While we acknowledge the assistance extended to us by some missions abroad, the persistent attempts to suppress our voices have undermined our independence and right to peaceful protest,” the statement read.

The coalition did not disclose which embassies were involved, but emphasised its commitment to peaceful, constructive dialogue in resolving the issue. It also expressed disappointment that diplomatic channels appeared more focused on image control than addressing the root causes of student hardship.

“We are not enemies of the state. We are simply demanding what is due to us under our scholarship agreements. Any effort to silence us only deepens our sense of neglect,” one student told this reporter on condition of anonymity.

The group, however, thanked the media in Ghana for highlighting their plight and called on stakeholders—including the Scholarships Secretariat and the Ministry of Education—to engage with them transparently and in good faith.

No new date has been announced for the protest. For now, the coalition says it will continue to explore alternative ways to press for the release of their entitlements.