Parliament has halted the consideration of the Ghana Scholarship Authority Bill 2025 to allow for further stakeholder engagement, following increasing public pressure and appeals from the Citizens’ Coalition.
The Coalition, made up of civil society organisations and concerned individuals, had urged lawmakers to stop the expedited passage of the bill, which seeks to overhaul the national scholarship scheme under a certificate of urgency.
The suspension was announced on Thursday, July 17, during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill.
Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, revealed that the Office of the President had intervened, advising a pause in the legislative process.
“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,” he said.
The Minister added that engagement with stakeholders was ongoing, citing a meeting with civil society education groups held on Tuesday, July 15.
Chairman of Parliament’s Education Committee, Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, maintained that the bill was designed to improve transparency and enhance oversight in the administration of scholarships nationwide.
However, critics argue that pushing the legislation through under urgency could erode public trust and sideline critical perspectives.
The temporary suspension is expected to provide space for broader input from civil society, education experts, and the general public before lawmakers resume deliberations.
