NUGS demands student representation on Scholarship Authority Board

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has raised strong objections to the recent inauguration of the Scholarship Authority Board, citing the exclusion of student representatives as a breach of fairness, transparency and participatory governance.
In a statement released Thursday, January 8, 2026, NUGS, which represents over 12.5 million Ghanaian students both locally and abroad, described the omission as “a departure from established practice, prior assurances and the broader ethos of participatory governance.”
“Students are not incidental stakeholders within the scholarship framework; they are its core purpose,” the union said, warning that a Board operating without student input risks becoming disconnected from the realities faced by beneficiaries, potentially undermining the Authority’s objectives.
NUGS has called for urgent dialogue between the Government, the Scholarship Authority and the union to address the issue.
The union also urged the President, the Minister of Education, and other authorities to reconstitute the Board to include student representatives nominated by NUGS.
Additionally, the union recommended amending the Scholarship Authority Act to guarantee student representation, citing international best practices in education governance.
Rashid Ibrahim, President of NUGS, emphasized the union’s commitment to constructive engagement but stressed that students’ voices must be respected in decisions affecting their academic futures.
The union highlighted that scholarships are meant to promote equity, expand access to education, and provide opportunities for vulnerable and disadvantaged students.
NUGS described the current Board composition as undermining the credibility of the Scholarship Authority and called for governance that is inclusive, participatory, and responsive to all stakeholders.