Government shocked at reports of stipends delay for scholarship students in China

The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat has expressed shock at the media report that it has not given stipends to Ghana Government Scholarship Students in China.

The Director of the Secretariat Fuseini Lansah said his office requested the Bank of Ghana to transfer money for their stipends in January 2017.

“During the first week of January, we called the Bank of Ghana to transfer $78, 000 to cater for three months stipend for regular students, and the 9-month stipend for year-aboard Chinese language students.”

“We have asked the mission to explain because we requested them to confirm receipt of the money and then give us expenditure returns after disbursement, but other missions have confirmed collecting the money,” he added.

About 20 Ghanaian in various universities in China said they have not received their monthly allowances for over 12 months.

The students said they have been left "appallingly demoralised and disheartened" by the government.

The students added they have received no response from the Scholarships Secretariat and the Ghana Mission in Beijing even though they have complained several times.

"As a result, most students are highly constrained in their research work, which if further delayed will not guarantee their timely graduation. We are therefore strongly compelled to draw the attention of our nation through your reputable medium and to appeal to the authorities to take action quickly to especially assuage the headache of those who are working on their projects and those who are about to graduate," a statement from the student said.

In a related development, Lansah has said that he has requested for a report from the Ghana Mission in China so they know what step to take next.

“This thing about China came as a surprise. Sometimes it takes time for the money to reach them. So we have asked the mission to give as a clear situation.”