The Government of Ghana has paid $1 million to the University of Memphis to partially settle a $3.6 million debt under the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat (GSS) sponsorship programme. The payment has provided immediate relief for nearly 200 Ghanaian students, many of whom were facing the threat of eviction, loss of scholarships, and possible deportation.
The students, pursuing degrees in key fields like science, engineering, and business, had been at risk after the university issued a payment deadline of August 9, 2025. While the payment averted immediate consequences, an outstanding balance of $2.2 million remains.
Addressing the issue in Accra, GSS Registrar Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei acknowledged delays due to an ongoing audit but reassured that no student would face deportation. He explained that the payment was processed through the Controller and Accountant General’s Department and the Bank of Ghana.
University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave attributed part of the delay to Ghana’s recent political transition following the December 2024 elections, but expressed optimism that the matter will soon be fully resolved.
Meanwhile, the university has encouraged contributions to its Gary Shorb International Student Support Fund to provide emergency assistance to affected students while awaiting the remainder of the funds.
