The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has expressed concern over the allocation of government scholarships, alleging that they are often awarded based on political affiliations rather than merit.

Speaking at the GBA’s 2024/2025 annual general conference, the Association’s president, Yaw Acheampong Boafo criticised the current system, stating that it unfairly benefits individuals who are already privileged and can afford to pursue their education without financial assistance.

Mr. Boafo argued that scholarships should be awarded based on real merit, economic need, and relevance to critical areas of study and research.

He described it as “immoral and troubling” that government scholarships are given to individuals with political connections, depriving brilliant but needy students of opportunities.

The GBA president also highlighted reports of corruption, nepotism, and political patronage in the award of government scholarships.

He noted that it is unacceptable for multiple scholarships to be awarded to one individual, while others who need financial support are denied.

Mr. Boafo furthermore questioned the allocation of foreign currency scholarships for programmes that can be pursued at local universities.

The GBA is calling for a review of the government scholarship distribution system to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability.

“In my opinion, the award of government scholarship should be only what it is, that is informed by real merit, economic and financial need of beneficiaries, especially those from poor backgrounds, and relevance to specific critical areas of study and research, especially when such critical areas of study and research, particularly in science, technology and research programmes that are not offered by local universities.”

“I find it immoral and troubling that government scholarships are given or awarded to persons with political connections and who are already from privileged and rich backgrounds at the expense of brilliant but truly needed individuals and students.”

“Recent reports have revealed corruption, sheer abuse, nepotism and political patronage in the award of government scholarships in this country. It is equally unacceptable for multiple government scholarships to be given to an individual, while in some cases awardees take the scholarships and never attend the courses or programs while other Ghanaians who need a fraction of the amounts to study at local universities are denied and waste that way at home with all their skills and talents.”

“It is equally unacceptable that scholarships in foreign currencies are awarded to people to study abroad when such programmes or areas of study can be pursued at our local universities. We call for a review of how government scholarships are awarded or distributed in this country.”