President John Mahama has instructed the National Investigation Bureau (NIB) to probe claims that bribes were exchanged to obtain foreign study scholarships.
The directive was issued in a letter referenced by 3news on February 3.
“The attention of the President has been drawn to a radio discussion aired on Sompa 106.5 FM, during which a panelist, 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,” the correspondence stated.
During the broadcast, Kofi Owusu Nkansah claimed that certain government officials are demanding up to GHC100,000 for scholarships.
The letter noted that “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.”
President Mahama has charged the 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,” the President added.