As the leadership of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), it is our duty to advocate for the welfare and rights of all Ghanaian students, both at home and abroad. Today, we focus on two major concerns: the student loan issues and the unpaid stipends of Ghanaian students studying abroad.
Our notice and general oversight function have been drawn to the fact that Ghanaian students studying in Morocco on various government scholarships are facing dire conditions. This unfortunate situation; is due to the non-payment of their stipends for about ten months. On Monday May 24, 2024, Ghanaian students took to the streets of Rabat, Morocco to complain about their unpaid stipend, which is consequently having ravaging effects on their lives. This has subsequently been reported byGhanaweb; and we challenge all stakeholders doubting veracity, to endeavor on an authentication exercise.
This situation is extremely alarming and unacceptable. Ghanaian students whom our country undoubtedly has a duty to protect, are on the verge of being evicted from their accommodations, struggling to renew their residence permits and are unable to obtain basic needs such as food and sanitary products.
The inability to purchase sanitary pads, in the case of our female students, is beyond degrading and dehumanizing. It is reprehensible and goes against the principles set out in Article 26(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which declares that Education shall be directed to the full development of human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights.
NUGS has reached out to some of these students, and they have indeed confirmed these distressing claims.
What further exacerbates the dilemna, is another reportage toNUGS, in regard to Ghanaian students of the 2022/24 cohort in Serbia. In their case, it is asserted that they have not received their stipends for 12 months. NUGS are yet to obtain all the facts, but urge all stakeholders to consider the situation of the aforementioned group, as well.
It is further regrettable to note, that despite the public outcry, the Ministry of Foreign affairs is yet to respond to this urgent matter. That is, in all aspects, spheres and scopes.
As a matter of urgency, NUGS had engagements with the Minister of Education, Hon. Yaw Osei Adutwum, and the Chief of Staff, Mrs. Akosua Frema Osei-Opare at the late hours of yesterday, May 28, 2024. They have assured us that, necessary actions are being initiated. We are adamant on our call to the Government and the Scholarship Secretariat to swiftly address this issue, and respectably so. These students need immediate relief, and we urge the relevant authorities to expedite the payment of the overdue stipends. It is injudicious and unacceptable, to mistreat our children in another African country, who are studying to return; so as to contribute their quota to the development of our dear nation.
In the meantime, NUGS has initiated engagements with our partners to explore how we can mobilize support for our colleagues in Morocco. We cannot allow these students to continue suffering due to bureaucratic delays and negligence.
We want to use this opportunity to welcome all concerns from colleagues who are going through similar conditions for proper redress. We understand that our colleague students of French,engaged in exchange programs in some Francophone countries;also have outstanding stipends. It is our assurance, that engagements were tabled yesterday, and very soon, the publicshall hear good news. The Union has always and shall always be there for its members!
It is an irrefutable fact, that the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) is a critical lifeline for many students in Ghana. It has quite unfortunately come to NUGS’S notice, that there have been numerous complaints regarding delays in the disbursement of loans and the high compounding interest rates. These issues have placed undue financial burdens on students, which hamper their academic progress and overall wellbeing.
NUGS has engaged with the SLTF leadership and proffered several proposals to address these concerns:
1. Speeding up Loan Payments: We urged the SLTF to expedite the disbursement of loans to beneficiaries to ensure that students receive the financial support they need in a timely manner.
2. Reducing Interest Rates: We call for a reduction in the compounding interest rates on student loans to make them more manageable for students upon graduation.
3. Direct Payments to Schools: We propose that the SLTF make payments directly to the schools of beneficiaries. This will help ensure that tuition fees are paid promptly, thereby preventing any disruption to students’ education.
4. Ensuring Timely Fund Transfers: We urge all stakeholders, including the GETFund, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Finance, and Controller and Accountant General’s Department, to ensure that funds due to the SLTF are paid on time. This will enable the SLTF to disburse loans promptly to beneficiaries.
5. Increasing Loan Amounts: We have proposed an increment in the loan amounts provided to beneficiaries to account for the variations in program costs and the rising cost of living.
We would like to take this opportunity to commend the SLTF,for their praiseworthy efforts, in providing an efficient repayment framework for previous beneficiaries. The executives of NUGS understand the cruciality of your dedication, to the sustenance of this important financial support system.
Additionally, the CEO of SLTF, Mr. Mahama Bayorbo, has confirmed receipt of their teacher trainees’ allowance, which is currently being processed for payment. We appreciate this update and look forward to seeing these funds disbursed soon.
The 57th administration of NUGS remains committed to advocating for the rights and welfare of Ghanaian students. We shall continue to engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure that all pressing issues are resolved. Our students deserve better, and we shall not relent in our efforts; until their needs are met.
We encourage all our constituents to keep reposing their trust in us, become the best in their respective studies, and better theirposture towards building our beloved nation Ghana.
Thank you for your attention, and we look forward to your support in addressing these critical issues. Together, we can create a better and more supportive environment for all Ghanaian students.
Aluta Continua! Victori Ascerta!
Thank you.
Kyeremeh Oppong Daniel
President, National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS)