Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, the MP for Akatsi North, and Ranking Member on the Education Committee of Parliament has expressed concerns about the alleged malpractices at the Scholarship Secretariat.
The Fourth Estate’s investigative report revealed that scholarships were being awarded to influential individuals and their families, which contradicts the Secretariat’s main objective of supporting academically talented but financially disadvantaged students with local and foreign scholarships.
During a Face to Face interview on Citi TV, Mr Nortsu-Kotoe proposed that the misuse at the Secretariat should be checked to ensure it fulfils its intended purpose.
He mentioned the daughter of Freddie Blay, the former MP for Elembelle, who was among the beneficiaries despite being able to afford his daughter’s education expenses.
“I’m happy that it has come out, it’s not wrong for any Ghanaian to be given a scholarship award. But look at the category of persons that are benefitting, that is why we are raising eyebrows.
“There’s a total abuse of the system. Look at Hon. Freddie Blay, his daughter, benefiting from going and doing studies abroad. He can pay for his daughter’s education. If he could promise or buy 275 minibuses for constituents in the country during his elections. Why can’t he pay about £10,000 or £15,000 for his daughter to go and do law?
“His wife has been a diplomat since 2017, as Ambassador to Germany. The daughter could have even gone to stay there and do the programme,” he told host Umaru Sanda Amadu.
Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe criticized the misuse of scholarships, which could have been allocated to the less privileged instead of the affluent.
“There are people who are in need, we have been interacting with our constituents, they get admissions to tertiary institutions. The money to pay for the first year is a big problem. Let alone talk about accommodation. If the opportunity is there, let’s help Ghanaians rather.
“Why don’t we use the money locally? £15,000 could have been paid for the fees of over 100 students at level 100 at the University of Ghana. People who don’t need it are being given to the detriment of those who really need it.”
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