Connect with us

Ghana News

The Ghana Scholarship Scandal: An Explainer on the Alleged Corruption in the Awarding of Government Scholarships to Ghanains Studying in the UK

Published

on

A bitter dispute has erupted between Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the former Registrar of the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, exposing allegations of financial mismanagement, family-funded travel, and systemic corruption in the awarding of government scholarships.

Here is everything you need to know about the saga.

1. The Allegations: What Did the High Commissioner Claim?

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Sabah Zita Benson, alleged that the Scholarships Secretariat under Dr Kingsley Agyemang’s leadership funded the travel and upkeep of family members of scholarship beneficiaries in the UK.

According to the High Commissioner:

  • The Secretariat funded air tickets and travel-related expenses for spouses and children accompanying scholarship beneficiaries
  • Costs were conducted through a travel consultancy and included premium visas and yellow fever cards
  • Accompanying family members received monthly allowances estimated at £8,160 each
  • In some cases, spouses and as many as three or four children of beneficiaries were covered by public funds
  • Beneficiaries pursued postgraduate programmes, including MBAs, while their families were supported by the state

2. The Debt Claims: £35 Million Owed to UK Institutions

The High Commissioner also alleged that the Secretariat accumulated scholarship-related debts of more than £35 million owed to UK institutions. She claimed that only about £3 million has reportedly been cleared by the current administration.

3. The 189 Students: Allegations of Post-Election Scholarship Awards

Mrs Benson further alleged that Dr Agyemang awarded scholarships to 189 students at a cost of about £3.1 million and added them to the 2025/2026 academic year despite knowing that the previous administration had left office.

4. The Denial: Dr Agyemang’s Response

In a statement issued by Sarkodie Baffour Awuah and Partners, lawyers for Dr Agyemang and the Akyem Abuakwa South Constituency, the allegations were described as an attempt to publicly ridicule their client and cast doubt on his record as Registrar of the Scholarships Secretariat.

The lawyers maintained that Dr Agyemang executed his mandate with diligence and denied any wrongdoing during his tenure, which ran from 2017 to 2025.

“Our client maintains that he executed his work as former Registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat with utmost diligence and therefore denies any wrongdoing,” the statement said.

5. The Debt Defense: ‘We Inherited Arrears’

Dr Agyemang has previously rejected the debt claims, arguing that the Secretariat’s financial obligations are longstanding and that he inherited significant arrears when he assumed office. He has also maintained that no Ghanaian scholarship beneficiary was sent home during his tenure because of unpaid fees.

6. The Investigations: BNI and OSP Probes

Dr Agyemang is currently the subject of investigations by the Bureau of National Intelligence (BNI) over alleged scholarship-related irregularities. In May 2026, he reported to the Bureau after being invited to assist with investigations arising from the allegations and said he provided a statement before leaving.

Separately, the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has confirmed that it has been investigating suspected corruption and corruption-related offences at the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat since July 2023. The OSP described the investigation as active and ongoing.

7. The Defense: ‘He Has Been Cleared’

Dr Agyemang’s lawyers contend that their client has already been cleared by the investigative agencies and that the matter has been brought to a conclusion. They said he voluntarily made himself available to the state security and investigative agencies and fully cooperated with the investigations.

“It is worthy of note that this is not the first time the High Commissioner is making such wild allegations notwithstanding the pendency of investigations by state security and investigative agencies,” the lawyers stated.

“Our client has not only availed himself to the said state security agencies but has fully cooperated with them with a view to ensuring that the allegations are thoroughly investigated, his name is completely cleared, and the matter is brought to a definitive conclusion.”

8. The Historical Context: The Fourth Estate Investigation

The allegations have reignited scrutiny of the management of the Scholarships Secretariat, which has faced investigations following a 2024 investigation by The Fourth Estate that raised concerns about the allocation of government scholarships to individuals considered affluent or politically connected rather than brilliant but needy applicants.

That investigation uncovered a pattern of awarding scholarships to individuals connected to the ruling party and politically influential figures, rather than to Ghana’s most academically gifted students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

9. The Legal Battle: Lawyers Demand Fairness

Dr Agyemang’s lawyers have described the High Commissioner’s allegations as an attempt to publicly ridicule their client and cast doubt on his record while investigations are still pending. They have called for the matter to be resolved through due process rather than public trial.

10. The Bigger Picture: What’s at Stake

The scholarship saga raises fundamental questions about:

  • Transparency in public spending: How are government scholarships allocated, and who benefits?
  • Due process: Should public officials be tried in the court of public opinion or through established legal processes?
  • Systemic reform: What changes are needed to prevent similar controversies in the future?
  • Accountability: Will those found culpable face consequences, regardless of their political connections?

The outcome of the ongoing probes will determine whether any financial or administrative wrongdoing occurred at the Scholarships Secretariat, and whether the allegations made by the High Commissioner are substantiated.

11. What Happens Next

With investigations by the BNI and OSP ongoing, the next steps will depend on the findings of these probes. If evidence of wrongdoing is established, legal proceedings could follow. If cleared, Dr Agyemang’s reputation could be restored.

For now, the saga continues to unfold, with both sides maintaining their positions and the public awaiting the outcome of the investigations.

Ghana News

American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

Published

on

With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.

The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.

“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”

Why This Outreach Matters

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .

While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .

Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .

How to Participate

For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.

Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .

For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.

Continue Reading

Ghana News

Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026

Published

on

Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.

1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.

  • “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
  • The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
  • The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
  • NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”

2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.

  • Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
  • The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
  • The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”

3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.

  • Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
  • The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
  • In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
  • Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”

4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health

  • Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
  • The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
  • On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”

5. Economy, Banking, and Tax

  • Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
  • B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
  • Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.

6. Judicial and Political Fallout

  • Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
  • The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”

Continue Reading

Ghana News

Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation

Published

on

In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.

The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).

The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.

While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.

It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.

“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.

The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.

Continue Reading

Trending