The National Investigation Bureau (NIB) has invited a senior figure of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, over allegations that government scholarships were allegedly sold for as much as GH¢100,000. The move follows comments made by Mr. Nkansah during a radio discussion that triggered public outrage and prompted a directive from the Presidency for a full investigation into the claims.
Mr. Nkansah, who is a former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP) and currently serves as the Bono Regional Chairman of the NPP, made the allegations during a panel discussion on Sompa FM. In that interview, he claimed that some individuals had paid huge sums of money to secure scholarships, including opportunities to study abroad. According to him, the process was allegedly influenced by political connections rather than merit, a claim that immediately raised serious concerns about transparency and fairness within Ghana’s scholarship administration system.
The comments quickly gained national attention, sparking intense debate across media platforms and social circles. Many Ghanaians expressed anger and disappointment, questioning whether deserving but financially disadvantaged students were being sidelined in favour of those who could afford to pay. Others demanded that Mr. Nkansah provide evidence to back his claims, warning that such allegations, if untrue, could unfairly damage public institutions.
In response to the growing controversy, President John Dramani Mahama described the allegations as a matter of grave public concern. He stressed that any suggestion of corruption or impropriety within the scholarship system strikes at the heart of national values such as fairness, accountability, and equal opportunity. Following this, the President directed the NIB to immediately investigate the matter, establish the facts, and determine whether any laws had been breached.
The directive to the NIB was formally communicated through the Secretary to the President, instructing the Bureau to invite Mr. Nkansah and any other relevant persons to assist with investigations. The focus of the probe is to verify whether payments were indeed made to secure scholarships, identify those allegedly involved, and assess the credibility of the claims made during the radio interview.
Following the President’s directive, the NIB invited Mr. Nkansah to provide further clarification and any evidence he may have to support his statements. The invitation is not a declaration of guilt but part of standard investigative procedures aimed at establishing the truth. Sources close to the process indicate that investigators are keen on understanding the basis of his claims, including where, when, and how such payments were allegedly made.
The Ghana Scholarship Authority has also reacted to the issue, welcoming the investigation and reaffirming its commitment to transparency and accountability. Officials of the Authority have insisted that scholarship awards are guided by laid-down procedures and merit-based assessments, and have denied any knowledge of scholarships being sold. They have further stated that ongoing reforms are meant to strengthen oversight and restore public confidence in the system.
The controversy has revived long-standing public concerns about the management of scholarships in Ghana. Over the years, critics have accused successive governments of allowing political influence and favouritism to creep into scholarship allocations. These concerns partly informed recent policy and legislative reforms aimed at centralising scholarship administration and improving accountability.
Analysts believe the current investigation could become a defining moment for scholarship governance in the country. If the allegations are proven false, Mr. Nkansah may face public backlash for making claims that undermined trust in national institutions. On the other hand, if evidence of wrongdoing is uncovered, it could lead to far-reaching consequences, including prosecutions, institutional reforms, and stricter controls over scholarship awards.
For now, the NIB’s invitation to Mr. Nkansah marks a critical step in resolving the matter. Many Ghanaians are watching closely, hoping the investigation will bring clarity, restore confidence in the scholarship system, and ensure that opportunities meant to support education and national development are awarded fairly and transparently.