Ghana's High Commissioner to UK alleges scholarship beneficiaries brought entire families at taxpayer expense
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Sabah Zita Benson, has claimed that some Ghanaian government-sponsored Master’s and PhD scholarship recipients in the UK traveled with their spouses and multiple children, with the Ghanaian taxpayer covering the costs. Benson stated that some beneficiaries brought their entire families, including up to five children and a spouse, with the government allegedly paying for their airfare, visas, tuition, and stipends. She reviewed documents for several such cases, noting that some beneficiaries pursued programs like MBAs and policy studies, which are available in Ghana. Benson further alleged that the government paid for premium visa applications, air tickets, and other expenses for these accompanying family members, including £8,160 per family member. She described this as a misuse of public funds, contributing to Ghana’s mission in the UK owing approximately £35 million. Benson called for a refund of all expenses and for those responsible to be charged with causing financial loss to the state. She also criticized the potential loss of services when beneficiaries remain abroad after their education, advocating for a review of scholarship arrangements and accountability for any abuse of the scheme.
