We intend to both petition the President or push for modification of the legislation – NUGS President – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) has issued a strong statement regarding the absence of student representation on the Governing Board of the Ghana Scholarships Authority (GSA). In a recent interview on The Pulse on PleasureNews, NUGS National President Rashid Ibrahim announced that the union intends to petition the Office of the President, the Minister of State, or the Speaker of Parliament if the government does not promptly address this critical oversight. Additionally, NUGS is prepared to advocate for legislative amendments to ensure that students, as direct beneficiaries of scholarships, have a voice in decisions that directly affect their educational futures.

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the issue, the background of the debate, and the potential implications for governance, transparency, and student rights in Ghana’s education sector. We will explore the key arguments, examine the legal and policy context, and offer practical recommendations for stakeholders.

Key Points

Background

The controversy stems from the recent inauguration of the Governing Board of the Ghana Scholarships Authority, which notably excluded student representatives. This omission has sparked criticism from NUGS, which represents tertiary-level students across Ghana.

What is the Ghana Scholarships Authority?

The Ghana Scholarships Authority is a statutory body responsible for the administration of scholarships, bursaries, and other forms of financial assistance to students in Ghana. Its mandate includes setting eligibility criteria, managing applications, and disbursing funds. Given its central role in shaping access to higher education, the composition of its Governing Board is of significant public interest.

Previous Advocacy Efforts

During the legislative process that led to the passage of the Scholarship Authority Act, NUGS and other stakeholders raised concerns about the lack of student representation. According to Rashid Ibrahim, the union’s predecessor had issued a statement on this matter, prompting the Minister of Education to suspend the bill temporarily for further stakeholder consultation. It was reportedly agreed during these consultations that student representation would be included in the final version of the law. However, the enacted legislation did not reflect this agreement.

Comparison with Other Education Bodies

NUGS has pointed to the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Act as a positive example. The GETFund Act explicitly requires that student representatives, nominated by NUGS or the Polytechnic Students Association of Ghana, be included on its board. This precedent strengthens NUGS’s argument that student inclusion is not only desirable but also consistent with existing legal frameworks in the education sector.

Analysis

The exclusion of students from the Scholarship Authority Board raises several important issues related to governance, representation, and the principle of “nothing about us without us.”

Principle of Beneficiary Inclusion

As Rashid Ibrahim emphasized, students are the direct beneficiaries of scholarships. Therefore, their exclusion from decision-making processes is both illogical and undemocratic. Policies and procedures that affect students should ideally be shaped with their input to ensure relevance, fairness, and effectiveness.

Accountability and Communication

Having a student representative on the board would create a direct channel for communication between the authority and the student body. Currently, students who have concerns or complaints about the scholarship process have limited avenues to voice them at the policy level. A student representative could serve as an advocate and a bridge, improving transparency and responsiveness.

Legal and Constitutional Considerations

While the current Scholarship Authority Act does not mandate student representation, there is no legal barrier to amending the law to include it. In fact, such an amendment would align with broader principles of participatory governance enshrined in Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which encourages the involvement of citizens in governance processes.

Precedent and Consistency

The inclusion of student representatives in other educational bodies, such as GETFund, sets a clear precedent. For consistency and coherence in public policy, similar structures should be replicated across all student-focused institutions. Selective exclusion undermines trust and creates perceptions of favoritism or elitism.

Impact on Equity and Trust

The absence of student voices may disproportionately affect marginalized or underrepresented student groups. Without direct representation, the unique challenges faced by these students—such as accessibility, documentation issues, or regional disparities—may be overlooked in policy formulation.

Practical Advice

For students, educators, and policymakers, the following recommendations can help resolve this impasse and strengthen the governance of the Ghana Scholarships Authority:

For the Government and Parliament

• Engage in Dialogue: Initiate formal consultations with NUGS and other student organizations to understand their concerns and co-create solutions.
• Amend the Law: Expedite the process of amending the Scholarship Authority Act to include a provision for student representation.
• Interim Appointment: Consider using executive authority to appoint a student representative on an interim basis while legislative changes are being processed.

For NUGS and Student Organizations

• Document Proposals: Prepare a detailed position paper outlining the rationale, structure, and benefits of student representation.
• Build Alliances: Collaborate with other civil society organizations, education advocates, and members of parliament to build broader support.
• Public Awareness: Launch awareness campaigns to educate students and the public about the importance of governance participation.

For the Ghana Scholarships Authority

• Open Communication: Establish regular forums for student engagement, even in the absence of formal representation.
• Transparency Measures: Publish detailed reports on scholarship allocation, criteria, and decision-making processes.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Implement accessible channels for students to provide feedback and raise concerns.

FAQ

Conclusion

The demand by the National Union of Ghana Students for student representation on the Ghana Scholarships Authority Governing Board is not merely a procedural issue—it is a fundamental question of equity, inclusion, and good governance. As the primary beneficiaries of scholarships, students have a legitimate and necessary role in shaping the policies that affect their educational journeys.

The government has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to inclusive governance by responding positively to NUGS’s call. Whether through executive action or legislative reform, ensuring student representation will strengthen the credibility, transparency, and effectiveness of the Scholarship Authority.

This moment also serves as a reminder that sustainable policy-making requires the active participation of those it seeks to serve. By embracing this principle, Ghana can set a powerful example for student engagement in public institutions across the continent.