Parliament halts consideration of Scholarship Authority Bill

• Posted on July 18, 2025July 18, 2025
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

Parliament has suspended the consideration of the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill 2025 to allow for further stakeholder engagement, following growing public concerns.

The decision comes in response to calls by the Citizens’ Coalition—a network of civil society organisations and prominent individuals—urging Parliament to halt the passage of the bill, which seeks to overhaul the national scholarship scheme under a certificate of urgency.

The suspension was announced during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill on Thursday, July 17. Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, revealed that the Presidency had advised a pause on the legislative process to allow for more consultations.

“The Office of the President related to me some concerns that have been communicated, and therefore, Mr. Speaker, I sought the chairman’s indulgence if we can stay for further consideration as I do further consultation as I indicated,” the Minister said.

He added that engagements with relevant stakeholders were already underway.

“On Tuesday, July 15, we engaged the coalition of civil society groups in education. This Bill is a product of the Cabinet, and it was thoroughly discussed,” he added.

The Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, had earlier stated that the bill is designed to enhance transparency and improve oversight in the administration of scholarships across the country.

Despite its intentions, the bill has drawn criticism from some civil society actors who argue that rushing it through under a certificate of urgency could undermine transparency and public trust.

The decision to suspend proceedings is expected to create space for broader input from civil society, education experts, and the public before Parliament resumes consideration of the legislation.