Memphis, August 19, 2025
News Summary
Nearly 200 Ghanaian students at the University of Memphis receive relief as the Republic of Ghana makes a $1 million payment towards its debt, preventing eviction and deportation. The total debt owed to the university is $3.6 million, with the remaining balance yet to be settled. This funding issue has caused significant concern among students, leading to investigations into the handling of scholarship funds. The situation highlights the struggles faced by Ghanaian students both in the US and abroad due to delayed financial support.
Memphis โ Nearly 200 Ghanaian students enrolled at the University of Memphis will be able to continue their studies after the Republic of Ghana made a $1 million payment towards its outstanding debt to the university. This crucial funding ensures that 185 students living on campus can avoid immediate eviction or deportation, alleviating their immediate concerns regarding academic stability and financial security.
However, the $1 million payment is only a fraction of the total debt owed by the Republic of Ghana to the University of Memphis, which amounts to $3.6 million. This total includes an earlier balance of $400,000, leaving a remaining balance of $2.6 million yet to be paid. To date, Ghana has only paid $1.4 million of its total obligation.
The Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, which provides scholarships to Ghanaian students at the University of Memphis, had previously delayed payments, putting many students’ academic standing and visa status in jeopardy. The university issued warnings that failure to resolve funding issues could lead to academic dismissal for these students. A university spokesperson expressed optimism that the Republic of Ghana would meet further debt obligations to enable students to complete their studies through the fall semester.
This situation unfolded after the University of Memphis criticized the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat in July for not fulfilling its financial commitments. Students in Memphis and those affiliated with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat have faced rising anxieties regarding their enrollment status since funding issues were first announced in June.
Many affected students have reached out to various government entities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, seeking assistance. However, these efforts have largely been met with insufficient responses, leaving the students feeling abandoned. The problems with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat are not isolated to Memphis; similar funding delays have also impacted Ghanaian students studying in the UK, leading to financial strain and uncertainty about their educational futures.
A spokesperson for the Ghanaian students in the UK reported that they too are struggling to resolve their financial situations with the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, indicating a wider systemic issue affecting many scholars from Ghana overseas.
In light of these difficulties, investigations have been launched concerning allegations of corruption and bribery within the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat. Concerns have been raised regarding the handling of scholarship funds, with the hope that reforms will be implemented to ensure that future disbursements are timely and transparent.
The University of Memphis remains committed to supporting its international student population, with ongoing discussions taking place to address the concerns that have arisen from this situation. Stakeholders at the university believe that prompt action needs to be taken to ensure that students can successfully complete their academic programs without the ongoing threat of financial barriers.
In conclusion, while the $1 million payment from the Republic of Ghana provides temporary relief for nearly 200 students at the University of Memphis, significant challenges remain as the total balance owed remains unpaid. With ongoing investigations into the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat’s practices, the future of Ghanaian students studying abroad hangs in the balance, depending on timely financial support from their home country.
FAQs
The payment was made to ensure the continuation of studies for nearly 200 Ghanaian students at the University of Memphis, as they faced eviction and jeopardy regarding their student status due to unpaid tuition and fees.
The total debt amounts to $3.6 million, with only $1.4 million paid down so far.
If the remaining balance is not paid, students risk eviction, deportation, and academic dismissal.
Students have contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other governmental bodies in search of help, but their efforts have largely met with little response.
Yes, Ghanaian students in the UK are facing similar issues with delayed funding from the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Debt | $3.6 million |
| Amount Paid | $1 million (current), $1.4 million total |
| Impact on Students | 185 students can continue their studies; risk of eviction/deportation for those affected by funding issues |
| Scholarship Provider | Ghana Scholarship Secretariat |
| Similar Issues | Also affecting Ghanaian students in the UK |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Ghanaian Students at University of Memphis Receive Financial Relief
Ghanaian Students Allowed to Stay at University of Memphis
Memphis Housing Market Shifts to Buyer’s Market
Memphis Allocates $6.5 Million in Community Grants
Financial Crisis Threatens Ghanaian Students in Memphis
University of Memphis Faces Crisis for Ghanaian Students
University of Memphis Faces Funding Crisis for Ghanaian Students
Ghanaian Students at University of Memphis Face Academic Dismissal
Additional Resources
- Black Enterprise: Ghanaian Students at University of Memphis
- FOX 13 Memphis: Nearly 200 Ghanaian Students to Remain
- GBC Ghana Online: University of Memphis
- Google Search: Ghana University of Memphis
- Wikipedia: Ghana
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