The Ghana Bar Association (GBA) has called on the government to ensure that the awarding of scholarships is based on merit and the economic needs of beneficiaries.
GBA President Yaw Boafo emphasised the importance of prioritising scholarships for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those pursuing critical areas of study and research.
He said this at the Association’s 2024/2025 Annual Conference in Kumasi on Monday.
“In my opinion, the award of government scholarships should be only what it is. That is informed by real merit, economic and financial need of beneficiaries, especially those from poor backgrounds and relevant to specific critical areas of study and research,” Boafo stated.
Boafo expressed concern over the current practice of awarding scholarships to individuals with political connections and those from privileged backgrounds.
“I find it immoral and troubling that government scholarships are given or awarded to persons with political connections and who are already from privileged and rich backgrounds at the expense of brilliant but truly needy individuals and students,” he noted.