Students with disabilities from the University of Education, Winneba, and Cape Coast University have staged a protest at the Scholarship Secretariat in Accra, seeking the release of long-overdue scholarship funds promised by the government.
The aggrieved students, represented by the Association of Students with Disabilities, expressed their frustration, stating that the lack of funds is putting their education at risk. Aminu Mahama, the group leader, shared their plight with Citi News, emphasizing the impact of the delayed payments on their academic pursuits.
“We were told last year that we would be paid… We were more patient with them, and most of us did not pay our school fees because we had it in mind that with the scholarship, we would be paid but that did not happen,” explained Aminu Mahama.
The students claim that the management of their respective schools has issued threats to defer their courses if the scholarship funds are not disbursed promptly. In response to the perceived negligence, the group has vowed to spend the night at the Scholarship Secretariat until they receive a favourable response.
Aminu Mahama further alleged that the government has repeatedly failed to fulfil its promises regarding these scholarships, prompting the students to take decisive action to ensure the release of the funds and prevent course deferment.
The situation highlights the students' determination to seek accountability and the timely fulfilment of commitments that impact their education.