NUGS to Parliament: Include us in Scholarship Bill consultation

The National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is calling on Parliament to suspend the ongoing passage of the Scholarship Authority Bill and initiate wider consultations with key stakeholders—especially students, who are the primary beneficiaries of government scholarships.

In a statement issued on Thursday, July 17, NUGS expressed disappointment over the lack of engagement with student groups during the drafting of the bill, which seeks to establish the Ghana Scholarships Authority to regulate the award and management of scholarships more transparently and equitably.

The Union argues that the bill, which is currently being processed under a certificate of urgency, fails to justify why it should bypass standard legislative procedures.

NUGS insists that the absence of a national emergency does not warrant fast-tracking a law with such wide-ranging implications for students across the country.

“Our preliminary review of the Bill reveals a significant oversight: the absence of student representation on the proposed Governing Board of the new Ghana Scholarship Authority,” the statement read.

“This omission fails to reflect the principle of participatory governance and disregards the legitimate role of students in decision-making processes that directly affect their educational and professional futures.”

NUGS also warned that passing the bill without broader national dialogue could lead to future challenges and reduce confidence in the new framework.

They urged the Speaker of Parliament to halt the process and facilitate inclusive discussions involving students, tertiary institutions, civil society organizations, youth groups, and development partners.

“We therefore join the call by other civil society actors in urging the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament to halt the passage of the Bill and initiate a broader national consultation process. It is only through such engagement that we can build a legal framework that truly advances access to academic and professional opportunities for all deserving Ghanaians regardless of background, status, or political affiliation.”

“NUGS remains ready and willing to actively participate in such a process and to work collaboratively with Parliament and the Ministry of Education to ensure that the final law reflects the aspirations and interests of the Ghanaian student community.”