The Presidency has ordered an immediate investigation into allegations that Ghana’s overseas scholarship system may have been compromised, following claims aired on the radio that an individual was paid to secure a scholarship to study abroad.
The directive, issued on Tuesday and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama, instructs the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to probe what the Presidency describes as a matter of “grave public concern.”
The action follows a radio discussion on Sompa 106.5 FM, during which a panellist, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, former CEO of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, alleged that a scholarship was obtained through payment.
According to the Presidency, the discussion, conducted in Twi, has since gained wide public circulation, raising serious questions about integrity and fairness in the awarding of overseas scholarships.
“The attention of the President has been drawn to a radio discussion aired on Sompa 106.5 FM,” the directive stated, referencing the allegation that “an individual paid to secure a scholarship to pursue studies abroad.”
After reviewing the broadcast, the President concluded that the claims warranted urgent scrutiny.
“The President considers the allegation to be serious and of grave public concern,” the statement said, noting that the matter directly touches on government’s stated commitment to “transparency, integrity, and equal access to educational opportunities.”
The Presidency stressed that the issue goes beyond the individual allegation, striking at the heart of public confidence in how state-backed educational opportunities are awarded.
In response, the President has directed the National Investigation Bureau to “immediately investigate the allegation,” establish whether it has a factual basis, and determine the truth or otherwise of the claims.
The NIB has also been tasked to identify any persons involved in the alleged impropriety.
“The Bureau is further directed to submit its findings for the President’s consideration and for any appropriate action that may arise therefrom,” the directive added.
The directive closed with formal assurances issued on behalf of “His Excellency the President of the Republic,” underscoring the political weight attached to the probe.
The NIB investigation findings are expected to determine whether further action is warranted.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com