By Collins Sarkodieh 
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, has firmly insisted that PhD students sponsored by the Ghana Scholarships Authority in the UK must respect their signed bond terms. The official statement comes after student leaders opposed a planned verification and oath-taking exercise organised by the High Commission.
The diplomatic mission confirmed that the mandatory Oath of Affirmation and validation exercise will run from August 13 to September 4, 2026, under Section 31 of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Act, 2025 (Act 1149). The law mandates overseas state scholars to formally subscribe to an oath before designated diplomatic officers.
Addressing the ongoing tension on social media, High Commissioner Zita Benson cited Clauses 4 and 5 of the original bond agreement issued to beneficiaries. Clause 4 mandates scholars to cooperate with official evaluations, while Clause 5 explicitly orders beneficiaries to return home within two months of completing their studies.
The High Commissioner emphasized that defaulting scholars risk legal liability and complete refund of all taxpayer funds expended on their education. She firmly rejected demands for guaranteed state job placement, stating that the signed contract contains no legal obligation for government job reintegration.
While student leaders demand immediate settlement of outstanding stipends before returning, the High Commission maintains that the verification exercise protects public funds and ensures strict legal compliance across the scholarship system.
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