Ghanaians studying in Hungary are facing significant challenges due to the failure of the Ghana government to disburse monthly stipends as per a bilateral scholarship agreement between the two nations.
The situation has escalated to the point where the students are appealing for immediate intervention to alleviate their hardships.
Since the commencement of the academic year, approximately 215 Ghanaian students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degrees have been grappling with the absence of stipends for the past six months.
According to sources close to the affected students, the Hungarian government has diligently fulfilled its obligations outlined in the scholarship agreement. However, the rising cost of living in Hungary has compounded the difficulties faced by the Ghanaian students.
Despite repeated appeals made through formal channels, including letters addressed to various stakeholders in Ghana, there has been no substantive response. This lack of communication has left the students feeling abandoned.
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Ghanaian Association of Students in Hungary (GASH) has issued a press release urging the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Finance, and the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat to expedite the disbursement of stipends and allocate book allowances at the earliest.
The timely release of stipends and book allowances is not only crucial for the academic success of these promising students but also for restoring their faith in the scholarship program. The NEC of GASH emphasizes that swift action is imperative to prevent further academic and financial distress among Ghanaian students in Hungary.