A group of Ghanaian PhD students studying in the United Kingdom have petitioned UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to intervene in what they describe as a worsening financial crisis caused by unpaid scholarship funds from the Ghanaian government.
The students, most of whom are beneficiaries of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and other government-sponsored scholarship schemes, said they are facing mounting tuition arrears and living-cost challenges due to delays in the release of funds.
Some universities have reportedly issued warnings, placed students on academic holds, or threatened withdrawal if payments are not settled promptly.
The students, numbering about 110 in their petition, appealed to Prime Minister Starmer’s office to engage Ghanaian authorities diplomatically to ensure that overdue payments are released.
They argued that the situation is affecting their academic progress, mental well-being, and ability to meet institutional deadlines.
According to the student group, the funding delays have pushed many of their members into severe hardship, with some experiencing hunger, homelessness and significant emotional strain. Others have been forced to abandon their studies altogether.
They reported that 15 students have already been withdrawn from their programmes due to unpaid fees, while 30 others have not received any funding for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The group added that many students are unable to access university portals, submit theses or obtain certificates because of mounting tuition arrears.
They acknowledged that although £1.6 million was recently released by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat to the Ghana High Commission in London, the amount falls far short of clearing outstanding tuition and does not cover accumulated stipend arrears.
Stipend payments, they said, are now overdue by between five and 48 months, leading to evictions, rent-related court cases and increased dependence on food banks.
The students also revealed that some colleagues have been deported after universities alerted the UK Home Office about their withdrawal for non-payment of fees.
Others who have completed their programmes remain stranded in the UK, unable to return home due to debts owed to friends and family in Ghana or because they cannot afford air travel.
Student leaders said they have made repeated efforts to engage Ghanaian authorities—including the Ghana High Commission, the Registrar of Scholarships, the Minister of Education and other officials—but no lasting resolution has been reached.
They estimate that £3.6 million is needed to clear all outstanding fees and stipend arrears for the PhD cohort alone, warning that undergraduate and master’s students under the same scheme may be facing similar difficulties.
The group is appealing to Prime Minister Starmer to use his office to urge the Ghanaian government to release the necessary funds and to engage directly with President John Dramani Mahama to intervene.
Copies of the petition have also been sent to the Speakers of the British and Scottish Parliaments, the Mayor of London and major media organisations.
