Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has announced that under a future National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, politically exposed persons will be prohibited from accessing government scholarships.
This move aims to address perceived injustices in the current scholarship allocation system and ensure that assistance reaches those in need.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, September 3, Ablakwa criticized the current system, which he claims has been undermined by corruption.
He highlighted how high-ranking officials and their families often appropriate scholarships for needy and talented students.
“We have politically exposed persons, ministers, MPs, and government officials who are taking scholarships meant for the vulnerable and poor people in North Tongu and elsewhere,” Ablakwa said. “Brilliant but needy individuals are left fighting for opportunities against wealthy politicians and elites who already have ample resources.”
Ablakwa asserted that new legislation will be introduced to overhaul the scholarship system. This would ensure that government-funded scholarships are reserved exclusively for deserving students who align with the nation’s strategic development goals.
“If you are a government minister or an appointee, neither you, your spouse, nor your children will be eligible for scholarships. We will enact a law to make this clear,” he added.
The proposal follows a recent investigative report by the Fourth Estate, which revealed that some politically connected individuals were awarded scholarships not based on merit.
The report sparked public outcry and calls for accountability from the Scholarship Secretariat.
Ablakwa emphasized that the new law will target corruption and ensure scholarships are allocated to the genuinely needy and deserving. “We are saying enough of this madness.
We will reform the scholarship system to guarantee that it benefits those who need it most, not those with political connections,” he said.
The NDC promises a transparent and equitable scholarship administration, aiming to restore public confidence and address the systemic issues revealed in recent investigations.
