Head of the Department of Classics and Philosophy at the University of Cape Coast, Prof Peter Kojo Grant has urged the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat to be open about their operations to avoid contention arising.
He said the criteria for selection should be clear for the public to know as this will help the public retain trust in them.
His comments follow an investigation by the Fourth Estate which has uncovered instances of scholarships awarded to applicants from affluent families, contrary to the Secretariat’s mandate.
In Prof Grant’s view, the ongoing controversy surrounding the scholarship grants could have been addressed much earlier if the scholarship secretariat had been transparent and fair in their processes and requirements.
“They claim they do have, but it is quite hazy. It may exist, but why don’t we get to know about it?” he said.
Prof. Peter Kojo Grant explained that the various scholarships in Ghana including the Ghana Government scholarship, CBN Scholarship and subsequently the Get Fund all have different roles and purposes.
He cites the Get Fund for instance which initially focused more on helping students in higher education now places more emphasis on helping students in basic schools.
Also, he highlighted that it is the aim of the Ghana scholarships to finance the development of schemes that are not offered in Ghana but rather help people to study such courses outside.
However, Prof Grant expressed that not many know about these available opportunities due to the information about it not spread widely enough.
Speaking on the Atlantic Wave, Prof. Peter Kojo Grant suggested that proper periodic announcements through various channels such as newspapers, and online platforms, should be made and direct outreach also made to the relevant institutions should be done to ensure that such calls for grants can reach many residents.
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Source: Flora Tang/ATLFMNEWS
