A coalition of local executives of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) has issued a strong warning to the government and relevant institutions over the delayed payment of bursaries for graduate students for the 2023/2024 academic year.
The coalition, made up of GRASAG presidents from several tertiary institutions across the country, expressed deep concern and disappointment over what they described as the prolonged failure of authorities to release approved bursary funds to beneficiaries.
In a statement signed by GRASAG executives from the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, University of Education-Winneba, University for Development Studies, Takoradi Technical University, and Ghana Communication Technology University, the group said the delay has caused severe financial hardship for graduate students nationwide.
According to the statement, the bursaries serve as vital financial support for graduate students to conduct research, purchase academic materials, undertake fieldwork, and support their academic pursuits.
The coalition noted that despite months of patience and diplomatic engagements with the relevant authorities, graduate students are yet to receive their funds.
The group revealed that following discussions between GRASAG National, the Ghana Scholarship Authority, and the designated banking institution responsible for the disbursement process, assurances were given that payments would be made between May 5 and May 8, 2026, after all required student data had reportedly been submitted several weeks earlier.
However, the coalition said beneficiaries across various institutions are still yet to receive the bursaries, creating anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty among affected students.
The executives further lamented that the delay has also stalled the opening of the bursary application portal for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years, thereby affecting prospective applicants across the country.
“It is unfortunate that while graduate students continue to contribute significantly to national research, innovation, policy development, and academic advancement, they continue to face persistent delays in accessing financial support legitimately due them,” portions of the statement read.
The coalition is therefore calling on the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Scholarship Authority, and the designated banking institution to expedite all administrative and financial processes to ensure the immediate payment of the outstanding bursaries.
The group warned that if payments are not made by the close of Friday, May 15, 2026, they will be compelled to embark on a series of actions to press home their demands.
According to the statement, the planned actions may include media engagements, continuous picketing at the Jubilee House, demonstrations, and the presentation of petitions to the Office of the President, Parliament, the National Chief Imam, the Christian Council, the diplomatic community, and other stakeholders.
The coalition stressed that additional activities could continue throughout the year until all outstanding bursaries are paid.
They further urged the leadership of the Ghana Scholarship Authority to act swiftly to address the concerns of graduate students and prevent the planned actions from taking place.
“The time for assurances has passed. Graduate students deserve immediate action, accountability, and the prompt release of their bursaries without further delay,” the statement concluded.
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