We’ll pay your fees and stipends once Finance Ministry approves – GSS to students abroad
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat (GSS) has recognized the financial challenges confronting students studying abroad as part of its 2023/2024 Scholarship program.
Registrar of the GSS, Dr. Kingsley Agyemang, disclosed in a media engagement that the delay in disbursing stipends is due to pending financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
According to Dr. Agyemang, the GSS is committed to providing financial support to students abroad, covering tuition fees and maintenance costs. However, the delay in receiving approval from the Ministry of Finance has hindered the timely disbursement of funds.
“Everything that’s in the budget, the Ministry of Finance finds every way to make them on a quarterly, basis” Dr. Agyemang stated.
“The students abroad in Cote d’Ivoire, Russia, Spain, Togo, and Benin will be prioritized for payment as soon as we receive clearance from the Ministry of Finance.”
In response to concerns raised by students studying abroad, Rene Adjei, representing the GSS 2023/24 Beneficiaries, highlighted grievances regarding unpaid tuition fees and inaccessible school portals in an email to Pulse.com.gh. Adjei emphasized the detrimental effect on students’ academic progress and well-being due to these issues.
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat (GSS) has acknowledged these challenges and reassured affected students that once financial clearance is obtained from the Ministry of Finance, their fees and stipends will be promptly disbursed.
In the interim, the Secretariat urges students to remain patient and assures them of its dedication to swiftly resolving the matter.
Students studying emphasized the impact of delayed payments on students’ academic pursuits and mental well-being.
“The schools have been chasing us out in the request for their fees. This has led to the withdrawal of sponsorship for some affected students and referral of students to debt collection agencies which has gravely affected our sanity.
It is instructive to note that, some of these students are due for completion but their portals have been locked inhibiting them from submitting their assignments and dissertations. A lot of us are now handicapped and have no control of the issue.”
