Ghanaian Students at University of Memphis Get Reprieve as Government Pays $1M Toward Fees

 

MEMPHIS, TN – The University of Memphis confirmed that nearly 200 Ghanaian students can continue their education after the Government of Ghana made a $1 million payment toward their outstanding tuition fees. The payment, which arrived ahead of an August 9 deadline, has temporarily averted the threat of eviction and deportation for the students.

The crisis began after the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat (GSS), which sponsors the students, fell behind on payments, leaving the university owed a total of $3.6 million. With the recent payment, an outstanding balance of $2.2 million remains. Many of the affected students are enrolled in critical programs, including science, engineering, and business.

Before the payment, the university had warned that students could lose their scholarships, housing, and legal residency if the debt was not settled. GSS Registrar Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei acknowledged that delays were caused by an ongoing audit but reassured students they would not be deported. He explained that the funds were processed through Ghana’s Controller and Accountant General’s Department and the Bank of Ghana.

University of Memphis President Dr. Bill Hardgrave attributed the payment delays to Ghana's recent political transition following the December 2024 elections. Despite the setback, he expressed optimism that a full resolution would be reached soon.

In the meantime, the university is encouraging donations to its Gary Shorb International Student Support Fund, which provides emergency aid to international students while awaiting the full payment from the Ghanaian government.