DELAY IN PAYMENT OF 2023/2024 GRADUATE STUDENT BURSARIES: COALITION OF GRASAG LOCAL EXECUTIVES DEMAND IMMEDIATE GOVERNMENT ACTION

We, the Coalition of Local Executives of the Graduate Students’ Association of Ghana (GRASAG) across various tertiary institutions in Ghana, wish to express our deep concern, disappointment, and strong displeasure regarding the continuous delay in the payment of bursaries for graduate students for the 2023/2024 academic year.
For several months, graduate students across the country have endured severe financial hardship due to the failure of the relevant authorities to disburse approved bursary funds. These bursaries are critical support mechanisms that enable graduate students to undertake research work, purchase academic materials, facilitate fieldwork activities, and sustain their educational pursuits.

Over the months, GRASAG institutional leadership and affected students nationwide have exercised patience and restraint while engaging the appropriate authorities through diplomatic channels. Numerous grievances and concerns from frustrated graduate students have been officially communicated to the GRASAG National Secretariat and relevant stakeholders regarding the persistent delay in payment.

Following engagements between GRASAG National, the Ghana Scholarship Authority, and the designated banking institution responsible for the disbursement of bursuries, assurances were given that payments would be effected between 5th May and 8th May 2026 after all required student data had reportedly been submitted approximately five and a half weeks earlier to facilitate payment.
Regrettably, despite these assurances, beneficiaries across various institutions are yet to receive their bursary payments.

This delay has created widespread anxiety, frustration, and uncertainty among graduate students who depend heavily on these funds for their academic and research activities. The situation has also delayed the opening of the bursary application portal for the 2024/2025 and 2025/2026 academic years, thereby affecting prospective applicants nationwide.
It is unfortunate that while graduate students continue to contribute significantly to national research, innovation, policy development, and academic advancement, they continue to face persistent delays in accessing financial support legitimately due them.
In light of the foregoing, we respectfully but firmly call on:
1. The Ministry of Education;
2. The Ghana Scholarship Authority; and
3. The designated banking institution responsible for the disbursement of GRASAG bursury
to immediately expedite all administrative and financial processes necessary to ensure the prompt payment of all outstanding bursaries to affected graduate students nationwide.
Having waited patiently over the months through diplomatic engagements and repeated assurances, we wish to unequivocally state that the patience of graduate students across the country is gradually wearing thin. Therefore, we wish to state that if by the close of day on Friday, 15th May 2026, the necessary actions are not taken to ensure payment of the outstanding bursaries, we, the Coalition of Local Executives of GRASAG, will be compelled to take all necessary and legitimate actions required to ensure that the concerns and welfare of graduate students are addressed.

Accordingly, notice is hereby served that the Coalition of Local Executives of GRASAG and our members across the country shall emback on a number of activities and actions which shall include but not limited to engaging the media to inform the ghanaian populace about the neglect of the Asafo-Agyei led Ghana Scholarship Authority administration to the plight of the graduate students, picketing of the Jubliee house conistently till the bursary of graduate students are released, demonstrating and presenting petitions to the Office of the President, Office of the Speaker of Parliament, Office of the National Chief Imam, Christian Council, Diplomatic Community and all stakeholders of the Ghanaian community to drum home our concern on the neglect by the Ghana Scholarship Authority and Ministry of Education.
There will be other series of activities and actions which shall be carried out through out the year until bursary due graduate students are paid.
Leadership of Ghana Scholarship Authority should therfore take note and act swiftly to alleviate the plight of the students in order that these actions are not carried out.
The time for assurances has passed. Graduate students deserve immediate action, accountability, and the prompt release of their bursaries without further delay.

SIGNED
University of Ghana – GRASAG PRESIDENT
Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology – GRASAG PRESIDENT
University of Cape Coast – GRASAG PRESIDENT
University of Education, Winneba – GRASAG PRESIDENT
University for Development Studies – GRASAG PRESIDENT
Takoradi Technical University – GRASAG PRESIDENT
Ghana Communication Technology University – GRASAG PRESIDENT

Editor:

Obiri-Yeboah