President orders probe into alleged scholarship corruption

The President, John Dramani Mahama, has directed the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to immediately commence a full-scale investigation into allegations of financial impropriety in the award of government-sponsored overseas scholarships.

The directive, communicated by the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Fosu, follows a radio discussion on Sompa 106.5 FM during which a panellist, a former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, alleged that an individual made a payment to secure a scholarship for studies abroad.

In a formal communication dated February 3, 2026, and addressed to the Director-General of the NIB, the Presidency described the allegation as “serious and of grave public concern”.

The statement emphasised that the directive was in line with the government’s “firm commitment to transparency, integrity, and equal access to educational opportunities”.

The radio discussion, conducted in the Twi language, has reportedly gained wide circulation, prompting the President’s direct intervention.

According to the statement signed by Mr Kwakye Fosu, the bureau is tasked to “immediately investigate the allegation, establish its factual basis, identify any persons involved, and determine the veracity or otherwise of the claims made”.

The NIB is further instructed to submit its findings directly to the President for his consideration and “for any appropriate action that may arise therefrom”.

The probe is expected to scrutinise the processes and management of recent overseas scholarship awards under various government schemes.

The development comes amid persistent public discourse about equity and meritocracy in the distribution of state-sponsored educational opportunities.