Dr. Randy Abbey, the host of Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program, has raised concerns about the government bearing the cost of individuals opting for post-graduate studies, especially abroad.
During a discussion on his show regarding the allocation of state scholarships to individuals affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr. Abbey argued that the state should not incur losses due to individuals’ decisions to further their education.
Dr. Abbey illustrated his point by referring to his own experience, suggesting that individuals who choose to pursue such courses should bear the cost themselves since they are the ones who ultimately benefit from them.
Speaking on the same show, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Nelson Dafeamekpor, stated that the Minority caucus will, upon resumption of sittings, demand a probe into the awarding of scholarships in the country.He said,
“My point is that if you want to do an MBA or MA in a foreign institution, that’s your choice. Why must the state pay for it?
Why must the state pay for your choices? I made choices for post-graduate certifications, but I didn’t burden anybody with it.
It is my choice. I could have used my connections, but I didn’t because it’s my choice.”
“The Minority has raised the bar now, and they are asking for the interdiction of the registrar and an inquiry into the matter. What the minority is saying is that there is a need for a major inquiry into the matter because of the plethora of allegations.”
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat has been in the news recently following reports by the Fourth Estate, which seem to suggest that scholarships were awarded to favor certain individuals who were close to the governing party or family.
Some of the people identified in the reports are either relatives of the governing family or members of the NPP.
Regarding the scholarships, there are allegations of cronyism, favoritism, and conflict of interest.
It is suggested that an inquiry should be conducted to investigate these claims. If these claims are found to be credible, the responsible parties should be held accountable.
