President Mahama is definitely leaving no stone unturned in his determination to ensure that all sectors of the economy are on sound footing for accelerated national growth and development
With the educational sector being among his priorities, despite the recent hiccups in the disbursement of funds to the various institutions and individuals, he has kept his foot pressed hard on the pedal. This has resulted in the payment of scholarships to Ghanaian students spread across the globe as well as disbursement of funds to some institutions in the sector.
In an interview with the ‘Daily Post’, Hon Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, Deputy Minister for Education in charge of Tertiary Institutions revealed that payment has been made to Ghanaian students on scholarships studying in the United States of America, Canada, Asia, Australia and South Africa.
In the United Kingdom, where the largest number of Ghanaians studying on scholarships are, three-quarters of the total number have received payments while all students in the rest of Europe have also received payment.
The Deputy Minister giving a breakdown of monies paid as scholarships said GH¢2,500,000, that is £454.545.45 was paid as Tuition and Living Allowance to three quarters of students on scholarships in the UK. The rest will be paid next week.
GH¢1,000,000 equivalent of $285,714.29 at an exchange rate of GH¢3.5 to a dollar was paid to all students in the Unites States of America and Canada while GH¢600,000 being €133,333.33 (at an exchange rate of GH¢4.5 to 1 euro) was paid to all Ghanaian students in EU member countries.
Other students living and studying in China, South America, Australia etc were paid a total of GH¢400,000 with GH¢500,000 being allocated for the purchase of tickets. This brings the total amount of money paid as scholarships to GH¢5million.
The Deputy Minister who is also the Member of Parliament for North Tongu revealed further revealed that payment of capitation grants to schools, subsidies for one out of the three terms for Senior High Schools, subsidies for Special Schools as well as Feeding grants for colleges have all been released to the various schools.
These payments are coming on the heels of GH¢370millon released by government last week for statutory payments. The GETFUND received GH¢98,098,708.29 while the NHIS got ¢63,396,000.40. The District Assemblies Common Fund also received GH¢207,483,526.75.