The Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has issued a formal statement rejecting claims that its ongoing Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise for Ghanaian scholarship beneficiaries in the United Kingdom is imposing new obligations on them. This clarification follows recent concerns raised by representatives of the UK PhD Cohort, who voiced anxieties about the legal and administrative framework of the exercise. The GSA asserts that the process is lawful and operates under the established frameworks of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 (Act 1149) and the Oaths Act, 1972 (NRCD 6), in conjunction with the Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom. The Authority stated unequivocally that the exercise is not designed to introduce new conditions or requirements to the scholarship programme.
In a press release issued on Monday, August 10, 2026, the GSA detailed the exercise’s core objective: to verify scholarship awards, update beneficiary records, and reaffirm commitments associated with government sponsorship. The Authority emphasized that the process operates under existing contractual obligations, ensuring that beneficiaries return to Ghana within a two-month timeframe, as stipulated in their scholarship bonds – a commitment already made prior to acceptance. The Oath of Affirmation, the GSA clarifies, is merely a formal reiteration of pre-existing obligations, a standard procedure for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of scholarship records. The Authority further stated that the exercise does not introduce any new conditions or requirements to the scholarship bonds, maintaining the exact terms agreed upon when scholarships were initially accepted.
Furthermore, the GSA vehemently denied suggestions that the exercise constitutes a retrospective application of new rules or alterations to existing scholarship bonds. It emphasized that the obligations contained within the existing scholarship bonds remain precisely as defined during the acceptance process, with no modifications or additions made by the Authority. The GSA’s official stance is that the current exercise is solely focused on confirming existing obligations and ensuring data accuracy and completeness, thereby safeguarding the integrity of scholarship administration. The Authority has urged all affected beneficiaries to promptly and without delay participate in the Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise, acknowledging the Authority’s commitment to upholding the established process.
The GSA has subsequently issued a statement acknowledging the completion of Kpong-Tema pipeline repairs, a significant infrastructure project benefiting the nation. This matter is separate from the scholarship exercise in question, yet the Authority’s focus on infrastructure development underscores the stability and continued operation of Ghana’s vital systems. The GSA’s decision to focus on verifying scholarship records is a strategic move aimed at maintaining transparency and accountability within the scholarship program, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the initiative.
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Source: Adom Online
