President John Dramani Mahama has directed the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to immediately investigate allegations of corruption in the award of foreign scholarships, following claims that some beneficiaries paid bribes to secure opportunities to study abroad.
The directive was confirmed by the Minister in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who described the allegations as grave and contrary to the government’s principles of transparency and fairness.
“The President considers these allegations very serious and completely inconsistent with the government’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and equal access to educational opportunities,” Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said.
According to the Minister, the President has instructed the NIB to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter.
“The President has directed the National Investigations Bureau to probe the allegations thoroughly, establish the facts, and identify any persons involved,” he stated.
The directive is contained in a formal letter dated February 3, 2026, addressed to the Director-General of the NIB and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama.
The letter refers to a discussion aired on Sompa 106.5 FM, during which a panellist, Mr. Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), alleged that an individual paid money to obtain a foreign scholarship.
According to the letter, the issue has attracted significant public attention, particularly because the discussion was conducted in Twi and has since circulated widely on both traditional and social media platforms.
“In consequence thereof, the President has directed the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to immediately investigate the allegation, establish its factual basis, identify any persons involved, and determine the veracity or otherwise of the claims made,” the letter stated.
The NIB has also been tasked to submit its findings to the President for further consideration and any action deemed necessary.
Government has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of Ghana’s scholarship schemes, stressing that access to educational opportunities must remain merit-based and free from corruption.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
