NUGS urges action on unpaid student loan and delays in stipends for Ghanaian students in Morocco

In a fervent plea for swift intervention, Mr. Daniel Oppong Kyeremeh, President of the National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS), has raised urgent concerns regarding the plight of Ghanaian students studying in Morocco on government scholarships. Their distressing situation, exacerbated by ten months of unpaid stipends, paints a grim picture of financial insecurity and jeopardized academic pursuits.

The ramifications of this predicament extend far beyond mere inconvenience; Ghanaian students, whom the nation is duty-bound to safeguard, find themselves on the precipice of eviction, grappling with the looming threat of homelessness. Basic necessities, such as sanitary items, remain out of reach for many, further exacerbating the indignity and hardship they endure. This stark reality starkly contradicts the principles of human rights enshrined in Article 26(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which underscores the integral role of education in fostering respect for human dignity.

In response to these pressing challenges, NUGS has embarked on proactive engagements with government officials, including the Minister of Education and the Chief of Staff, to expedite necessary actions. However, the urgency of the situation demands more than mere assurances; it necessitates swift and decisive measures to alleviate the suffering of Ghanaian students in Morocco.

Furthermore, NUGS has turned its attention to the longstanding issues plaguing students in Ghana, particularly concerning delays in student loan disbursements through the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF). The debilitating effects of these delays, compounded by exorbitant interest rates, cast a shadow over the academic aspirations of countless students, impeding their progress and well-being.

In light of these challenges, NUGS has presented a comprehensive set of proposals to the SLTF leadership, encompassing initiatives to expedite loan payments, reduce interest rates, ensure timely fund transfers, and increase loan amounts. These measures, if implemented expeditiously, have the potential to alleviate the financial burdens weighing heavily on Ghanaian students and pave the way for a brighter academic future.

As the vanguard of Ghanaian student interests, NUGS remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for tangible solutions that uphold the rights and welfare of students. It is imperative that all stakeholders heed this call to action and work collaboratively to address these pressing issues, ensuring that every Ghanaian scholar has the opportunity to thrive and succeed.