President John Mahama has directed the National Investigations Bureau (NIB) to immediately probe allegations of improper practices in the award of overseas scholarships.
The directive follows a discussion on Sompa 106.5 FM, during which a panellist, Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, a former Chief Executive Officer of the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), alleged that an individual paid money to secure a scholarship to study abroad.
In a statement dated February 3, 2026, and signed by the Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, the Presidency noted that the allegation has generated significant public interest after the Twi-language discussion circulated widely across various media platforms.
“The President considers the allegation to be serious and of grave public concern, particularly in light of the Government’s firm commitment to transparency, integrity, and equal access to educational opportunities,” the statement said.
Consequently, the President has instructed the NIB to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter, establish the factual basis of the claims, identify any individuals involved, and determine whether the allegations are true or otherwise.
The Bureau is expected to submit its findings to the President for consideration and any further action that may arise from the outcome of the investigation.
The directive, the statement added, underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of public scholarship schemes and ensuring that access to educational opportunities is based on merit rather than financial influence.
Public scholarship programmes have long been regarded as a critical pathway for academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students to pursue higher education abroad, making the allegations particularly sensitive within the public discourse.
Read the full statement below:
3rd February 2026
TO:
THE DIRECTOR-GENERAL
NATIONAL INVESTIGATION BUREAU
DIRECTIVE FOR INVESTIGATION INTO ALLEGED IMPROPER PRACTICES
IN THE AWARD OF OVERSEAS SCHOLARSHIPS
- The attention of the President has been drawn to a radio discussion aired on Sompa 106.5
FM, during which a panellist, Mr Kofi Ofosu Nkansah, former Chief Executive Officer of the
National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, alleged that an individual paid to secure a scholarship to pursue studies abroad. - Following a review of the said radio discussion, which was conducted in the Twi language
and has since gained wide public circulation, the President considers the allegation to be
serious and of grave public concern, particularly in light of the Government’s firm
commitment to transparency, integrity, and equal access to educational opportunities. - In consequence thereof, the President has directed the National Investigation Bureau
(NIB) to immediately investigate the allegation, establish its factual basis, identify any
persons involved, and determine the veracity or otherwise of the claims made.
The Bureau is further directed to submit its findings for the President’s consideration and for any
appropriate action that may arise therefrom.
- Please accept the assurances of the highest consideration of His Excellency the President of the Republic.
Signed:
Callistus MAHAMA, Ph.D.
SECRETARY TO THE PRESIDENT
