The University of Memphis has confirmed that a $1 million payment from the Ghanaian government will allow nearly 200 Ghanaian students to remain on campus, temporarily averting threats of eviction and possible deportation.
However, the institution warns that the payment only partially covers the $3.6 million debt owed under the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat (GSS) programme, leaving an outstanding balance of $2.2 million.
At a press conference in Accra on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, GSS Registrar Alex Kwaku Asafo-Agyei assured that Ghanaian students “will not be deported,” acknowledging that $400,000 had already been paid.
“We are now processing a $1 million payment,” he said, explaining that delays were due to an ongoing audit. The funds are being routed through Ghana’s Controller and Accountant General’s Department and the Bank of Ghana for final transfer to Washington.
The University of Memphis had earlier warned that students risked losing scholarships, campus housing, and legal residency if outstanding fees were not settled by August 9, 2025. University President Dr. Bill Hardgrave linked payment delays to Ghana’s recent political transition after the December 2024 elections, stating: “I think there was a regime change in Ghana, and that affected the budget, but we’re hopeful that gets corrected because we’d love to keep those students on campus.”
Most of the affected students are studying science, engineering, and business programmes. While awaiting full payment, the university has urged donations through its Gary Shorb International Student Support Fund to provide emergency assistance.
Source: Graphic Online
