The Citizens’ Coalition, a network of civil society organisations and prominent individuals in Ghana, has called on Parliament to suspend the passage of the National Scholarship Authority Bill currently being pushed under a certificate of urgency.
The Coalition’s concern follows a statement by Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, who in a July 15 interview revealed that Parliament plans to pass the Bill by the end of this week. He noted that the legislation is critical for reforming Ghana’s scholarship system and enhancing institutional oversight.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the Coalition applauded the government’s commitment to strengthening the legal and institutional framework for managing scholarships. However, they raised strong concerns over the rushed approach, stating that there is no compelling emergency to justify bypassing standard legislative procedures.
“The need for reform is undeniable,” the Coalition said. “Yet the Bill in its current form does not adequately address the structural weaknesses of the existing scholarships regime. Rather than correcting the opacity, nepotism, and political interference, it risks institutionalising them.”
The Coalition argued that the proposed law lacks mechanisms for transparency and accountability and does not offer a merit-based system that aligns with international best practices.
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They further stressed that any meaningful reform must begin with broad stakeholder consultations—including students, youth groups, universities, civil society, and development partners.
“A law that shapes access to academic and professional opportunity for generations of Ghanaians must not be passed in haste. It must be informed, inclusive, and legitimate,” the statement emphasized.
The group is urging the Speaker of Parliament to intervene and call for a pause in the legislative process to allow for more inclusive consultations.
The statement was endorsed by several high-profile advocates including Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, and Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Partnerships and Policy Engagement at the Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).
source: citinewsroom
