Ghanaian government-sponsored PhD students in the United Kingdom have issued a one-week ultimatum to the Ghana High Commission in London, demanding the immediate release of full video footage capturing events surrounding an alleged assault on one of their colleagues.
The demand follows an incident reported to have occurred on June 16, 2026, during a peaceful demonstration by the students over prolonged delays in the payment of tuition fees and stipends under the Ghana Scholarship Authority (GSA).
In a statement released on Friday, June 19, the student executives said the victim, Abena Fosua Gyasi, sustained multiple soft tissue injuries and has since received medical treatment. According to the statement, medical assessments indicate she is expected to recover within two weeks.
The group alleged that the incident took place during a static protest at the High Commission premises, where Miss Gyasi was verbally and physically assaulted by a staff member identified as Bridget Bonney, along with others.
The students warned that failure by the High Commission to release the requested video footage within the stipulated one-week period would compel them to pursue further action, including reporting the matter to the police and escalating it to UK advisory and oversight bodies such as Citizens Advice and the Ombudsman.
Meanwhile, the executives have announced the reactivation of their previously suspended protest actions. They plan to stage a week-long demonstration in London from July 2 to July 9, 2026, to demand the payment of outstanding tuition fees and stipends owed to Ghanaian-sponsored students.
The group also indicated plans to engage international media outlets, including the BBC, to draw global attention to their concerns.
Additionally, the students have called for direct presidential intervention to resolve the matter and ensure justice for the alleged victim.
“We call on President John Dramani Mahama to take a personal interest in this issue to ensure speedy justice and resolution,” the statement said. “We also entreat all sponsored students in the UK to remain calm while we seek justice not just for our assaulted colleague, but for all students who have endured hardship due to delays in the release of funds.”
The Ghana High Commission in London has yet to officially respond to the allegations.
