Ghanaian students studying abroad, particularly in Morocco under a government scholarship programme, are facing significant hardships due to delayed stipends from the Scholarship Secretariat.
The students are supposed to receive monthly stipends to cover basic needs such as food, accommodation, transport, study materials, and administrative costs. However, the funds have been stagnant for the past eight months, severely impacting their studies and mental well-being.
In an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Augustine Nyameba, a Board Member of the Coalition of Ghana Scholars Abroad, who is currently in Morocco, shared their distress.
He revealed that the situation in Morocco was particularly severe, though students in other countries, such as Algeria and Cuba, were facing similar challenges.
Augustine highlighted that their livelihoods have been heavily dependent on loans and financial support from family members back home, but with no funds forthcoming, many students have exhausted all financial support. As a result, some have resorted to selling personal belongings just to survive.
He also noted the stark contrast with their Nigerian counterparts, who receive twice the monthly stipend of $250, which is often delayed for the Ghanaian students.
“We use $150 for rent and other necessities, leaving only about $100 for upkeep, transportation, and other expenses,” Augustine said.
The situation has worsened to the point where 15 to 18 students are now crowded into an apartment meant for only five people due to a lack of funds for rent.
“It is illegal for such a large number to live in one room, but we don’t have any choice. Some people are even sleeping in churches now,” he added.
In light of this, Augustine has made a formal appeal to the government, the Ministry of Finance, and the Scholarship Secretariat to expedite the disbursement of stipends and prevent further delays.
This issue is not new. In May 2024, some Ghanaians studying in Morocco staged a protest at the Ghana Embassy, demanding timely disbursement of their stipends.
The students expressed that the prolonged delay has led to financial difficulties, emotional distress, risks, and academic challenges for undergraduate, master’s, and PhD students.
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