Ghana High Commission proceeds with UK PhD scholars’ verification, oath-taking amid pushback

The Ghana High Commission in the United Kingdom has decided to proceed with mandatory verification and oath-taking for Ghanaian PhD scholars funded by the state, despite backlash from scholar representatives. High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson stated the initiative would go ahead despite the controversy. The policy aims to ensure students return to Ghana immediately after completing their academic programs in the UK.

Scholar leaders recently condemned the new requirement, arguing it is unnecessary and discriminatory, as they had already signed legal agreements committing to return home. The High Commissioner clarified that the existing framework already allows for mandatory evaluations and surveys. Scholars demanded the clearing of overdue tuition fees, monthly stipends, and job placement guarantees before returning.

The High Commissioner dismissed these demands, stating the bond they signed made no such obligations. She defended the administrative measures as necessary for fiscal responsibility and public accountability. The diplomatic mission warned against attempts to influence state policy through ultimatums. The verification process proceeds as planned, setting a precedent for future scholarship management and public accountability standards in West Africa.