Respected President Mahama,

I want to express my sincere congratulations on your historic triumph and return to the political scene of our country.

You are an inspiration to present and future generations because of your steadfast dedication to speaking truth to power, supporting our democratic system, and exhibiting grit, determination, and resilience.

You may have been compared to the dry bones that lay across the valley with nothing more to offer Ghanaians, but on December 7, 2024, you received a resounding amount of support from Ghanaians, which is evidence of the people's will—that is, the Lord's will—to bring the dry bones back to life.

I'm writing to draw your attention to the urgent problems that my fellow scholarship recipients experience as a Ghanaian citizen and student at the University of Bradford (UoB) in the United Kingdom, who is funded by the Ghana Scholarship Secretariat program.

My colleagues are facing serious difficulties as a result of the University of Bradford's several fruitless attempts to remedy the departing government's failure to pay our fees and stipends.

I am not writing to you as the chief advocate for Ghana Scholarship Secretariat Students (UoB), nor am I writing on behalf of my university or the Ghanaian Student's Association.

Mr. President, many of my colleagues are in great distress; some have been prescribed depression medication, others have been referred by their professors to the university's counselling and wellbeing department, and many have high debt, which causes them to experience daily trauma because of the financial strain and uncertainty surrounding their academic future.

Our problems have only been made worse by the university's decision to put us on a payment plan in accordance with clause 35 of the UoB student contract, which states that "Students must pay their fees if the sponsor fails to do so."

a University of Bradford action brought about by unsuccessful attempts to have the secretariat fulfill their contractual duties.

Ghana Scholarship Secretariat Students (UoB) petitioned the University of Bradford's credit control team to appeal the payment plan decision in an attempt to lessen the problem, with the hope that ongoing talks between the government and the university would succeed.

This is in line with earlier actions taken by patrons and executives of the Ghanaian Student Association.

Given the situation, I would like to stop writing things that make me sad since all I can do is write you an open letter.

For the welfare of upcoming Ghanaian students, I humbly ask that you send a delegation to investigate these incidents and work with the university to find a solution.

You showed compassion and leadership during the few years I worshipped with you at the Ringway Assemblies of God, which gives me optimism that you will give our issues the attention and urgency they require.

I pray that God blesses you while you spend time with your loved ones and wish you a happy Christmas season. In the midst of the deafening quiet, Christmas is cold and depressing for us.

To wish ourselves a Merry Christmas, we hope to discover one another, examine our souls, and sincerely smile.

Wishes, however, are not horses. Because Christmas wipes out the smiles of people who hold such notions.

Nevertheless, we continue to hold out hope that your involvement would provide relief and rebuild our confidence in the future. I appreciate you taking the time to read my open letter.

May God grant you and our country, Ghana, greatness and strength.

Sincerely

David N. Appiah (Farman).

University of Bradford

Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD7 1DP, UK.

Source : David N. Appiah (Farman)