Ghana Pays $400K, Pledges $1M; Still Owes $2.2M in Deepening Memphis University Scholarship Crisis
Accra, Ghana – July 31, 2025 – The Ghana Scholarships Secretariat has confirmed that the government has paid US$400,000 toward its outstanding US$3.6 million scholarship debt to the University of Memphis, while pledging an additional US$1 million, leaving a remaining liability of roughly US$2.2 million. The delay has sparked fears of scholarship revocations, evictions, and deportations of nearly 200 Ghanaian students in the United States.
Partial Payments and Ongoing Shortfall
At a press briefing on July 30, Registrar Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei announced Ghana has transmitted US$400,000 toward its outstanding tuition arrears owed to the University of Memphis, with an additional US$1 million currently being processed via the Controller & Accountant General’s Department and Bank of Ghana. Despite this, the government still needs to settle approximately US$2.2 million as audit procedures remain ongoing.
Students at Risk Without Full Payment
Nearly 185 Ghanaian students, primarily studying science, engineering, and business programs at the university, face dire consequences. The University of Memphis has mandated payment or proof of alternate funding by August 9, 2025, warning of scholarship revocation, eviction from campus housing, and possible deportation.
Government Seeks to Reassure Students and Families
Regretting the delay, Registrar Asafo-Agyei assured stakeholders that deportations would not occur and pledged swift progress toward full settlement. However, observers have raised concerns about the impact of delayed audit procedures on students’ academic futures.
Political Shift Blamed for Delay
The unresolved payments have been partly attributed to the administrative transition following Ghana’s December 2024 regime change, which analysts suggest disrupted budget allocations for scholarship disbursements.
Appeal for Interim Support and Dialogue
In response, the University of Memphis has encouraged philanthropic support via its Gary Shorb International Student Support Fund to temporarily assist affected students. Meanwhile, civil society and education advocates are urging the Ghanaian government to finalize payments and institute safeguards to prevent future scholarship disruptions.
My News Ghana will continue to monitor developments as the August 9 deadline approaches and report on any resolutions or further interventions affecting the students.
Source: My News Ghana
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