Ghanaian PhD Students in UK Beg British PM Starmer: “Save Us from Deportation Over Unpaid Fees”
Over 100 Ghanaian government-sponsored PhD students in the United Kingdom have sent a desperate direct appeal to British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, pleading for urgent intervention to prevent mass deportations, evictions, and academic ruin due to 48 months of unpaid fees and stipends.
In a petition dated December 3, 2025, the students’ executives revealed that the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat (GSS) has failed to honor its commitments, leaving scholars in dire financial distress.
“30 PhD students have not had any 2024/2025 fees paid,” the letter stated.
“At least 15 have been withdrawn from their programs.”
Universities have transferred debts to individuals and notified the UK Home Office, triggering deportation proceedings.
£3.6 Million Needed Immediately
The students estimate £3.6 million (GH¢54 million) is required to clear outstanding tuition and living stipends for the PhD cohort alone.
“Some colleagues face court cases over unpaid rent,” they wrote.
“Others survive on food banks because they have no money to eat.”
The crisis also affects undergraduate and master’s students under the same scholarship scheme.
The scholars say they have exhausted all local channels:Ghana High Commission in London,Scholarships Secretariat
With options running out, the students are now banking on UK-Ghana diplomatic ties:
“We humbly urge Your Excellency to use your good offices to engage President Mahama to expedite the release of funds,” the petition reads.
They warn that without immediate action, dozens more will be deported before completing their studies — a devastating blow to Ghana’s human capital development.
The UK Home Office has confirmed it is reviewing visa statuses of affected students.
The Ghanaian government has yet to respond to the petition.
