Ghanaian Students In Hungary Cries Over Stipend Payments Delay

Asare Michael Baarffour (Devarsh) 8 months ago

Ghanaian students in Hungary cries over stipend payments delay from the government of Ghana. For the last 6 months, the government has failed to sort them out.

The Ghana Students Association in Hungary (GASH) has expressed concern about the prolonged delay in disbursing stipends, which is negatively impacting the lives and academic pursuits of Ghanaian students studying in Hungary.

The students expressed frustration with the Ghanaian government’s failure to provide monthly stipends to approximately 215 students over the previous six months.

These students, who are enrolled in undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral programs, are experiencing financial hardship as a result of late payments. In a collective statement, students highlighted the negative consequences of the government’s inaction, citing compromised academic performance and deteriorating mental health as examples.

Despite the established agreement between Ghana and Hungary, stipends have remained elusive, exacerbating the already difficult situation faced by Ghanaian students abroad.

While the Hungarian government has fulfilled its commitment under the scholarship agreement, the rising cost of living in Hungary has exacerbated the students’ situation.

Despite numerous requests to Ghanaian authorities, including the government, the ministry of finance, and the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat, concrete steps to improve the situation have yet to be taken.

The Association has consequently made an urgent appeal to the Ghanaian government and other pertinent parties to expedite the disbursement of stipends to the impacted students, acknowledging the pressing need to lessen their financial burdens and protect their academic endeavors.

The official statement also stated that, ”Repeated appeals, manifested through letters, have been made to all stakeholders in Ghana, but sadly, no response has been received, plunging these promising young individuals into desperation and disillusionment.

The timely disbursement of stipends and allocation of book allowances at the start of the academic year are essential to restoring hope, enabling academic success, and fulfilling the dreams of these bright Ghanaian students”.

Read the full official statements below;