Ghanaian PhD students studying in the United Kingdom have sounded the alarm over extended delays in the disbursement of their tuition fees and monthly stipends, cautioning that a planned protest could bring “serious embarrassment” to Ghana if the issue is not promptly addressed.
The two-day demonstration is intended to highlight what the students describe as ongoing neglect of their welfare, despite repeated appeals to the relevant authorities. According to the group, the government’s inaction has forced several students to withdraw from academic programmes, even though they were sponsored by Ghana with assurances of full tuition coverage and monthly stipends ranging from £1,023 to £1,200. Many have gone months or in some cases, years—without receiving payments.
The delays have reportedly left some students facing hunger, homelessness, and mental distress. Some have been classified as inactive by their universities, effectively ending their academic participation.
Speaking to Channel One Newsroom on Saturday, January 17, 2026, President of the Ghanaian PhD Cohort–UK, Prince Komla Bansah, said diplomatic efforts to resolve the matter had failed. “We have exhausted all diplomatic avenues. There is overwhelming support for the protest. This is a very serious situation. The demonstration will take place in the coming days, and my team has indicated that it could become a huge embarrassment for the state if immediate action is not taken,” he explained.
Mr. Bansah revealed that some students plan to pitch tents outside the British Parliament to draw attention to their lack of accommodation. “Imagine students sleeping outside the British Parliament because there is nowhere else to stay. How will that reflect on Ghana if nothing is done?” he asked.
He warned that the protest could tarnish Ghana’s international image if the government fails to intervene quickly. He further highlighted that some students have not received their renewal letters despite the academic year beginning in 2025.
“The situation remains unresolved. Students are still being withdrawn and blocked from their programmes,” he said, adding that while a board was reportedly constituted and stipend payments promised by February, no tangible steps have been taken.
Mr. Bansah also cautioned that the delays place some students at risk of deportation, with several having already received withdrawal notices and awaiting communication from the UK Home Office. “If the government does not release the payments, students could face deportation,” he warned.
The group is urging the Ghanaian government to act swiftly to avert both a humanitarian and diplomatic crisis and to uphold the country’s reputation abroad
Source: Citinewsroom
