Ghanaian students in the United Kingdom have announced plans to stage a mass protest on April 17, 2026, at the Ghana High Commission over delays in tuition fee payments and stipends by the Ghana Scholarship Authority. The demonstration is being organised by the UK-based PhD cohort, who say the prolonged non-payment has left many students in severe financial difficulty.
In a statement, the group said students have not received statutory stipends for several months, with most now owed between 15 and 40 months of living allowances.
The delays have reportedly affected both academic progress and immigration status. Some students have been withdrawn from their programmes due to unpaid tuition, while others risk deportation after losing their student status. Several have also been blocked from accessing university portals, and some have been referred to debt collection agencies.
Describing conditions as dire, the students said many are now relying on food banks. Efforts to resolve the issue through engagement with the Scholarship Authority and the Ghana High Commission have so far been unsuccessful.
The group also raised concerns about renewal letters for re-enrolment, noting that eight months into the academic year, no letters have been issued, preventing registration for the 2025/2026 academic year.
Funding delays were also highlighted. The students alleged that although GH¢256 million had been earmarked for scholarships, only about GH¢37 million is being considered for release. They claim the Authority owes approximately GH¢56 million to PhD students alone for tuition and unpaid stipends.
The planned protest will begin at Belgrave Square and is expected to extend to the Palace of Westminster and the BBC, aiming to attract attention from lawmakers and the media.
“We note that these actions could embarrass the government, but they have become necessary, given that students on GSA scholarships in the UK are now destitute,” the statement said.
The students warned that if their concerns are not addressed, another demonstration could take place on May 31, coinciding with a planned visit to the UK by President John Dramani Mahama. They added that the April 17 protest will be called off only if funds are urgently released and proof of payment is provided before that date.
