GSA rejects claims UK PhD validation exercise imposes new obligations

The Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA) has rejected allegations that its ongoing Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise for Ghanaian scholars in the UK creates extra obligations for them. The Authority said the exercise complies with the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 (Act 1149), and the Oaths Act, 1972 (NRCD 6), and is being carried out jointly with the Ghana High Commission in the UK.

In a statement on August 10, 2026, the GSA explained that the purpose of the exercise is to verify scholarship awards, update beneficiary records, and reaffirm commitments related to government-sponsored education. The GSA stressed that the process does not add new conditions or requirements to the scholarship program. This clarification comes after the UK PhD Cohort raised concerns about the legal and administrative grounding of the exercise.

The GSA explained that every scholarship beneficiary accepted a scholarship bond, committing to return to Ghana within two months of completing their studies. The Oath of Affirmation is merely a formal reaffirmation of the commitment already made under these bonds. The Authority explicitly stated that the Oath does not introduce any additional obligations.

They also dismissed claims that the exercise applies new rules retrospectively, emphasizing that they have not altered, modified, or imposed any new terms on existing scholarship bonds. The existing obligations remain exactly as agreed upon when the scholarships were accepted. The GSA stated that the current exercise is solely intended to confirm these existing commitments and ensure accurate, up-to-date records.

Consequently, the Authority urged all affected beneficiaries to honor the invitation and participate in the Oath of Affirmation and Scholarship Validation Exercise without delay.