Citizens’ Coalition Urges Parliament to Suspend Scholarship Authority Bill for Broader Consultations

The Citizens’ Coalition, a prominent network of civil society organizations and respected individuals, has called on Parliament to pause the urgent passage of the Scholarship Authority Bill currently under consideration. This appeal follows recent remarks by Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, who indicated that the bill is expected to be passed by the end of the week. He emphasized that this legislation is crucial for reforming Ghana’s scholarship system and enhancing oversight.

In a statement released on July 16, 2025, the Coalition acknowledged the government’s efforts to strengthen the legal and institutional framework governing scholarships in Ghana. However, they expressed significant concern over the expedited nature of the bill, arguing that there is no pressing need to bypass standard legislative processes.

“The need for reform is undeniable,” the Coalition stated. “Yet, the Bill in its current form fails to adequately address the structural weaknesses of the existing scholarship regime. Instead of remedying issues like opacity, nepotism, and political interference, it risks entrenching these problems further.”

The Coalition highlighted that the proposed legislation lacks essential provisions to establish a transparent, accountable, and merit-based scholarship system that aligns with international best practices. They stressed that any reform efforts must begin with comprehensive engagement with stakeholders, including students, youth groups, tertiary institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners.

“A law that shapes access to academic and professional opportunities for generations of Ghanaians must not be rushed. It must be informed, inclusive, and legitimate,” the Coalition emphasized.

The group is urging the Right Honourable Speaker of Parliament to intervene and facilitate the suspension of the legislative process to allow for wider consultations. This approach, they argue, will ensure that the final legislation is well-informed and reflective of the diverse perspectives within the community.

The statement was signed by notable members of the Coalition, including Kofi Asare, Executive Director of Africa Education Watch, and Dr. Kojo Asante, Director of Partnerships and Policy Engagement at the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana).