Dear President Mahama,
I extend my heartfelt congratulations on your unprecedented victory and historic comeback in our nation’s political landscape.
Your unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power, contributing to our democratic system, and demonstrating grit, determination, and resilience has made you a beacon of inspiration for both current and future generations.
In opposition, you may have been described as the dry bones lying across the valley with nothing to offer Ghanaians again, yet you overwhelmingly received support from Ghanaians on 7th December 2024, as a testament to the people’s will, which is the Lord’s will to give life to the dry bones.
As a Ghanaian citizen and a student at the University of Bradford (UoB) in the United Kingdom, supported by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat scheme, I write to bring to your attention the pressing issues faced by my fellow scholarship recipients.
The many unsuccessful attempts by the University of Bradford to address the non-payment of our fees and stipends by the outgoing government, has exposed my colleagues to significant challenges.
I do not write to you in the capacity of lead advocate to Ghana Scholarship Secretariat Students (UoB), neither do I as a representative of the Ghanaian Student’s Association or in the capacity of my university.
Mr. President, many of my colleagues are experiencing severe distress, with some being placed on depression medication, others referred to the university’s wellbeing and counselling department by their professors, and high debt, causing daily trauma due to the financial strain and uncertainty about their academic future.
The university’s decision to place us on a payment plan, per clause 35 of the UoB student contract “Students must pay their fees if the sponsor fails to do so” has only exacerbated our difficulties.
An action by the University of Bradford resulting from failed attempts to get the secretariat to fulfil their contract obligations.
In trying to mitigate the issue, Ghana Scholarship Secretariat Students (UoB) petitioned the University of Bradford’s credit control team, to appeal the decision on payment plan believing continuous negotiations between the university and government would materialise.
This corresponds to other interventions by Ghanaian Student Association executives and patrons.
Considering these circumstances, I wish to cease writing that which makes my heart grieve when I can do little but put this in an open letter to you.
I respectfully request that you appoint a delegation to look into these cases and engage with the university to find a resolution for the benefit of future Ghanaian students.
The few years I worshipped with you at the Ringway Assemblies of God, you demonstrated leadership and compassion which gives me hope that you will address our concerns with the urgency they deserve.
I wish you a joyous Christmas season and pray that God blesses you as you spend time with your loved ones. For us, Christmas is cold and moping amid the deafening silence.
It is our wish to find each other, look deep into our souls and genuinely smile to wish ourselves Merry Christmas.
Unfortunately, wishes are not horses. For those who carry such beliefs have their smiles wiped out at the time of Christmas.
However, we remain hopeful that your intervention will bring relief and restore our faith going forward. Thank you for your patience and consideration of this open letter.
May God bless you and our homeland Ghana and make it great and strong.
Sincerely
David N. Appiah (Farman).
University of Bradford
Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, UK.