Ghanaian students studying in the USA, Canada, Barbados, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic are facing significant financial hardships due to delays in receiving government stipends.

On September 9, they submitted a letter to President Akufo-Addo, outlining their distress over the situation.

Despite multiple requests for assistance, many students have not received their stipends for up to 18 months, with some waiting for over two years.

This lack of financial support has left them in precarious situations, with both male and female students experiencing various challenges.“This lack of payment has left many of us vulnerable, with both male and female students becoming victims of unexpected situations,” the letter said.

The delay has led to serious consequences, including eviction from housing, cancellation of visas, and even withdrawal from academic institutions.“Some students have received withdrawal letters from their institutions, while others have had their visa status canceled. The majority of us have been evicted from our hostels and apartments,” the letter added.

According to the letter by the students, female students have now been compelled to engage in “unwanted intimate relationships” to secure money for their needs while male students have also resorted to “selling sperm to make ends meet.”

Some students have been forced into compromising situations to obtain funds, with female students facing pressures to engage in unwanted relationships and male students turning to selling sperm for money.“Female students are often forced into unwanted intimate relationships, and male students resort to seeking financial support from older women or selling sperm to make ends meet,” the students noted.Though the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat recently allocated $50 million to cover outstanding tuition and stipends, the students argue that this amount is inadequate.

“We wish to call on the President to recognize that this amount is insufficient to cater to all students in the UK, USA, Barbados, Grenada, Canada, and the Dominican Republic. This will leave the challenges unresolved and may force many students to drop out of their programs and risk deportation,” the letter noted.

The students have called on the President and the Scholarship Secretariat to release additional funds for their tuition fees and stipends to avoid further grave consequences.

“We also urge the Office of the President and the Scholarship Secretariat to ensure the equal distribution of stipends among students. Finally, Your Excellency, we appeal to you to release additional funds to cover the outstanding payments for tuition and stipends, ensuring that all students can complete their various programs without fear of expulsion or deportation.”

They are calling on President Akufo-Addo and the Scholarship Secretariat to provide additional funds to resolve the issue, ensure fair distribution of resources, and prevent further academic and legal repercussions.

The students urge the government to address their financial needs promptly to avoid the risk of expulsion or deportation and to support them in completing their education without further difficulties.