A group of civil society organisations and eminent individuals under the banner of the Citizens’ Coalition is calling on Parliament to suspend the ongoing legislative process surrounding the Ghana Scholarships Authority Bill, 2025.

In a statement issued Thursday, the group commended the government for the initiative, describing it as “a laudable effort to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for scholarships management in Ghana.” However, they raised concerns about the speed and lack of public engagement in the bill’s consideration.

“There is no known emergency in the management of scholarships that justifies the speedy consideration of this all-important Bill without public consultation,” the Coalition said.

Structural weaknesses

They warned that while the need for reform is clear, the current form of the bill “does not adequately address the structural weaknesses of the existing scholarships regime.” Instead of correcting long-standing problems, the group fears it may “institutionalise opacity, nepotism and political interference.”

The Coalition emphasised the importance of public input, stating: “Genuine reform must begin with broad stakeholder engagement, including students and youth groups, tertiary institutions, civil society organisations and development partners.” They added that such consultations are crucial to building “a coherent and credible authority that serves the national interest.”

Plight of students

Touching on the ongoing plight of nearly 200 Ghanaian students abroad who face possible deportation over unpaid tuition fees, the group acknowledged the urgency but stressed that it “should not under any circumstances dispense with the thorough stakeholder engagement needed for this Bill.”

They concluded with a call on Parliament and the Speaker of the House to delay further proceedings, insisting that “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 Citizens’ Coalition is therefore urging a suspension of the legislative process until meaningful national consultations are held.