Ghanaian students studying in the Republic of Serbia under the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat have praised the Government of Ghana and the Secretariat for the full settlement of their long-outstanding fees and stipends, describing the intervention as timely, life-changing, and a clear demonstration of responsive governance.

The commendation followed a working visit to Serbia by the Registrar of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, Alex Kwaku Asafo Agyei, whose hands-on engagement with students and Ghana’s diplomatic mission underscored renewed government commitment to the welfare of Ghanaian students abroad.

The students, led by Mohammed Mutala Suraj, a Ghanaian PhD candidate at the University of Belgrade, expressed deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama and the Scholarship Secretariat for addressing challenges that had previously disrupted their studies and caused severe financial hardship.

They confirmed that all arrears relating to tuition fees and stipends had been fully cleared, restoring stability and peace of mind.

According to the students, the intervention marked a turning point in their academic journey. Many described the Registrar’s visit as historic and emotional, noting that it was the first time in years they felt fully supported by the home government. They credited the current administration for prioritising their welfare and ensuring that delays in funding no longer impede their studies.

Since assuming office, Asafo Agyei has been widely described by stakeholders as a workaholic with a strong, results-driven approach. His visit to Serbia forms part of broader efforts to personally assess the conditions of Ghanaian students abroad, streamline payment systems, and strengthen collaboration with Ghana’s missions to prevent the recurrence of arrears.

During the visit, the Registrar and his team were received by Ghana’s Ambassador to Serbia, Kwesi Ahwoi, who provided a situational briefing on Ghanaian students in the country.

The Ambassador commended the Secretariat for clearing arrears and the timely release of funds, noting that these actions have significantly improved relations between the Mission and the students while enhancing their academic performance and general wellbeing.

The engagement between the Scholarship Secretariat and the Mission was described as productive, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to resolving outstanding challenges and aligning their work with President Mahama’s resetting agenda.

The students also appealed for a review of their stipends and sustained adherence to payment schedules. In response, Asafo Agyei assured them that their concerns had been noted and reiterated that the welfare of Ghanaian students abroad remains a top priority of the Secretariat and the government.

In turn, the students pledged to uphold high moral and academic standards that reflect positively on Ghana, expressing confidence in the leadership of President Mahama and satisfaction with how the government is managing scholarship beneficiaries overseas.

The visit to Serbia is part of the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat’s ongoing efforts to strengthen oversight of scholarship administration and improve coordination with Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad. The engagement focused on assessing student welfare, addressing operational challenges, and ensuring that funding arrangements support uninterrupted academic work.

With the settlement of outstanding arrears and the restoration of regular payments, the Secretariat says it is working to stabilise scholarship administration and prevent future delays.

Officials reaffirmed that measures are being put in place to sustain timely disbursements and maintain consistent support for Ghanaian students studying overseas, in line with government policy on education and human capital development.