Loughborough University Students Allege Assault by Ghana High Commission Officials During Scholarship Protest

Six Ghanaian master’s students at Loughborough University have accused officials at the Ghana High Commission in London of verbal abuse and physical assault during a demonstration over unpaid scholarship funds. The protest, which took place in October 2023, was sparked by more than 18 months of outstanding tuition fees and living stipends totaling £238,852 (approximately ₵3.5 million). According to the students, these significant financial delays have severely hindered their academic progress and prevented them from participating in their graduation ceremonies.

The demonstration reportedly turned volatile when students attempted to seek an audience with High Commission staff. Protesters, led by convener Noah Krah, alleged that officials remained unresponsive during a four-hour peaceful demonstration outside the premises. When two students eventually entered the building to engage with authorities, they were reportedly met with verbal hostility. The group specifically identified High Commissioner Sabah Zita Benson as being present during the heated interactions. One student, Abena Fosuah, was allegedly physically assaulted by a staff member when she attempted to record the confrontation on her mobile phone. The students claim her device was forcibly seized and the recordings were deleted.

Medical assessments have since confirmed that the student involved in the physical altercation sustained a soft tissue injury and is currently receiving professional support for trauma. In the wake of the incident, the group filed a formal complaint with the High Commission, though they report that no official response has been received. The affected scholars are demanding an immediate investigation into the conduct of the embassy staff, a formal public apology, and the urgent release of their scholarship funds to settle their mounting debts with the university.

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Ghanaian government-sponsored students abroad, who frequently report systemic delays in stipend payments. The Loughborough students have indicated that they are considering legal action if their demands are not addressed. The situation places further pressure on the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to address the welfare of students representing the country internationally, as financial backlogs continue to jeopardize the degrees and mental well-being of those enrolled in overseas programs.