Memphis, USA — July 5, 2025
A major educational crisis is unfolding at the University of Memphis, where 181 Ghanaian students studying under the Ghana Government Scholarship Scheme face potential expulsion and loss of housing due to an outstanding debt of $3.6 million owed by the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS).
According to student sources, only $400,000 of the total owed has been paid—representing just one-ninth of the full amount. The non-payment has triggered urgent warnings from university administrators and housing officials, threatening the students’ continued enrollment, access to campus jobs, and accommodation.
University Issues Formal Notices
In an official notice dated June 2, 2025, the University of Memphis stated that GSS has failed to pay tuition and fees for both the Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semesters. Summer housing charges have also gone unpaid.
A follow-up notice from the university’s housing office warned students that:
“If you receive the Ghana Secretariat Scholarship, all finances will need to be cleared with USBS before moving in.”
This puts students at risk of losing their housing for the upcoming Fall 2025–Spring 2026 academic year.
Students Appeal to Authorities, Await Response
The affected students, all sponsored by the government of Ghana, say they are in a state of limbo and fear being forced to leave the university.
Fredrick Badu-Asamoah, leader of the Ghanaian student group at the university, expressed deep frustration and disappointment.
“This situation is heartbreaking. We’re not here on personal funds — we’re here representing the Republic of Ghana. We’ve written to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Embassy in Washington, the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, and even attempted to reach the Presidency. But we’ve received no decisive intervention,” Badu-Asamoah said.
He added that students risk losing not only their academic standing but also their on-campus jobs and legal status in the U.S., which are tied to their enrollment.
What’s Next?
With the Fall 2025 semester approaching, the students are appealing for urgent intervention from Ghanaian authorities. Without immediate action, many face academic dismissal, loss of housing, and possible deportation.
The University of Memphis has not yet announced any further extensions or accommodations, and the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat has not issued a public statement as of the time of this publication.
