Parliament has suspended the consideration of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025 to allow for broader consultations with stakeholders.
This decision was made upon the request of the Education Minister, Haruna Iddrisu who informed the House that the suspension was necessary for broader consultations.
The suspension was announced during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill on Thursday, July 17 by Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu who said two petitions have been received and he will engage the coalition of civil society groups in education on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 for the way forward on the Bill.
“The Office of the President related to me some concerns that have been communicated, and therefore, Mr. Speaker, I sought the chairman’s indulgence if we can stay for further consideration as I do further consultation as I indicated,” the Minister said.
“On Tuesday, July 15, we engaged the coalition of civil society groups in education. This Bill is a product of the Cabinet, and it was thoroughly discussed,” he added.
Prior to the suspension of the Bill, The Citizens’ Coalition, a group comprising citizens and Public Interest Civil Society Organizations had urged Parliament to suspend its consideration of the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025.
A statement released by the Group on July 17, 2025 said government must engage in stakeholder consultations before the Bill is passed.
The statement stressed that consultations are essential in designing a legal framework that consolidates the fragmented scholarships landscape into a coherent and credible authority that serves the national interest.
The Coalition noted that although it lauds government for its effort to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for scholarships management in Ghana, “there is no known emergency in the management of scholarships that justifies the speedy consideration of this all-important Bill without public consultation.”
According to the Coalition, it acknowledges the need for reforms in the scholarship system but the Bill in its current form does not adequately address the structural weaknesses of the existing scholarships regime.
They claim that the Bill rather remedies the prevailing opacity, nepotism and political interference and risks institutionalizing them.
“We are convinced that the proposed legislation falls short of establishing a transparent, accountable and merit-based system consistent with global best practice in public scholarships management.
“Consequently, genuine reform must begin with broad stakeholder engagement, including students and youth groups, tertiary institutions, civil society organizations and development partners,” the statement stated.
About Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill 2025
The Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025 which is currently under consideration by Parliament seeks to establish an authority to provide Regulatory oversight for the Award of scholarship to deserving students and free the scheme from political influence, favouritism and related matters.
When passed, the Scholarship Secretariat will be removed from Office of the President and placed under the Education Ministry for oversight responsibilities.
The Bill is seeking to deal with the nepotism and cronyism associated with awarding scholarships… to award deserving students based on merit and detach it from political influence.
