Ghanaian students abroad, studying on government scholarships, have resorted to engaging in unhealthy sex for money relationships and the sale of sperms to make ends meet due to delays in receiving government stipends.
Delays and non-payment of stipends and scholarship grants by the Ghanaian government to Ghanaian students abroad is a frequent occurrence, frustrating the educational pursuits of these students. And in the end shattering their dreams.
Student unions on countless occasions write to government and even embark on picketing at consulates and embassies of Ghana abroad to get their plights heard, appeal to government to provide stipends in a timely fashion.
In this case, despite multiple requests for assistance from students in USA, Canada, Barbados, Grenada, and the Dominican Republic, many students have not received their stipends for up to 18 months, with some waiting for over two years.
This lack of financial support has left them in precarious situations, with both male and female students experiencing various challenges.
“This lack of payment has left many of us vulnerable, with both male and female students becoming victims of unexpected situations,” the letter said.
The delay has led to serious consequences, including eviction from housing, cancellation of visas, and even withdrawal from academic institutions.
“Some students have received withdrawal letters from their institutions, while others have had their visa status canceled. The majority of us have been evicted from our hostels and apartments,” the letter added.
According to the letter by the students, female students have now been compelled to engage in “unwanted intimate relationships” to secure money for their needs while male students have also resorted to “selling sperm to make ends meet.”
Some students have been forced into compromising situations to obtain funds, with female students facing pressures to engage in unwanted relationships and male students turning to selling sperm for money.
“Female students are often forced into unwanted intimate relationships, and male students resort to seeking financial support from older women or selling sperm to make ends meet,” the students noted.
Though the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat recently allocated $50 million to cover outstanding tuition and stipends, the students argue that this amount is inadequate.
The students have called on the President and the Scholarship Secretariat to release additional funds for their tuition fees and stipends to avoid further grave consequences.
