Host of Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana show, Dr. Randy Abbey, has raised doubts about the government covering the expenses of individuals opting for post-graduate studies, especially abroad.
In a recent segment of his show discussing the allocation of state scholarships to individuals affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party, Dr. Abbey argued that the state should not bear financial burdens simply because someone chooses to pursue higher education.
Drawing from his own experience, Dr. Abbey emphasized that individuals making such decisions should be responsible for funding their education, as they are the primary beneficiaries of their chosen courses.
“My point is that if you want to do an MBA or MA in a foreign institution, that’s your choice. Why must the state pay for it? Why must the state pay for your choices? I made choices for post-graduate certifications, but I didn’t burden anybody with it. It is my choice. I could have used my connections, but I didn’t because it’s my choice,” he said.
Also addressing the topic on the program was Nelson Dafeamekpor, the Member of Parliament for South Dayi. He announced that the Minority caucus intends to call for an investigation into the scholarship allocation process upon the resumption of parliamentary sessions.
“The Minority has raised the bar now, and they are asking for the interdiction of the registrar and an inquiry into the matter. What the Minority is saying is that there is a need for a major inquiry into the matter because of the plethora of allegations.
“Details so far pander to the claim that the awards were largely made based on cronyism, favouritism, conflict of interest and all those things. So, if it is worthy to be looked into, then he must step aside. In the course of the inquiry, we will come and speak to [the] grounds on which he approved these applications,” he said.
Recent news coverage has spotlighted the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat amid allegations from the Fourth Estate. These reports indicate a perceived bias in awarding scholarships to individuals with close ties to the ruling party or its affiliates.
Several individuals highlighted in these reports are either relatives of prominent figures within the ruling party or affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP).