Ghanaian PhD students studying in the United Kingdom under the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS) have threatened to stage protests unless the government clears months of outstanding tuition fees and stipends.

In a statement released on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, the students said they had temporarily suspended planned demonstrations at the Ghana High Commission in London and the UK Parliament after assurances from Ghana’s High Commissioner, Zita Benson, that the matter would be addressed.

The students report that delays in funding and failure to issue renewal letters have led to course withdrawals, reports to the UK Home Office, and, in some cases, deportations.

Many are relying on food banks or assistance from friends to meet basic needs.

According to the cohort, unpaid arrears for PhD students alone total approximately GHS55 million, with some students waiting nearly 40 months for payments.

At a meeting on 21 January, High Commissioner Benson acknowledged the issue and promised progress by mid-February. While she continues to push for action in Accra, no resolution has been achieved.

The students appealed directly to President John Dramani Mahama and the Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, warning that continued delays could prompt protests and create diplomatic complications for Ghana.