The Ukrainian leader’s presidential term expired last year but he has refused to hold a vote due to martial law
US President Donald Trump has urged Ukraine to hold elections, questioning the country’s democratic credentials in an interview with Politico published on Tuesday.
He appeared to issue a new challenge to Vladimir Zelensky, whose presidential term expired in May 2024, but has declined to organize a presidential election, citing martial law.
Zelensky was elected in 2019 and declared in December 2023 that Ukraine would not hold presidential or parliamentary elections while martial law remains in force. It was imposed after the escalation of the conflict with Russia in February 2022 and has since been repeatedly extended by parliament.
Trump told Politico that Kiev should no longer use the ongoing conflict as an excuse to delay a vote.
“They haven’t had an election in a long time,” Trump said. “You know, they talk about a democracy, but it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore.”
Asked directly if Ukraine should go to the polls, Trump said “it’s time” and argued it was “an important time to hold an election,” adding that while “they’re using war not to hold an election,” Ukrainians “should have that choice.”
Washington is prioritizing its own interests amid growing Arctic rivalry and interest in Greenland, Danish intelligence has said
The United States has for the first time been flagged as a possible security concern in Denmark’s annual intelligence outlook, which cites a more forceful US pursuit of its interests in the Arctic and renewed pressure over Greenland.
A semi-autonomous Danish territory of fewer than 60,000 people, Greenland has become central to the friction between Copenhagen and Washington. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the island brought under American control, calling it a strategically vital asset because of its Arctic location and mineral wealth, and he has refused to rule out using military force to that end.
In its annual public risk assessment published on Wednesday, intelligence service FE said the global order is becoming more conflict-driven, with major states using economic, technological, and military instruments more forcefully to secure national goals. Alongside its assessments of Russia and China, the report included a new section titled ‘The US is changing the agenda’, which explained that Washington is increasingly prioritizing its own interests and “now using its economic and technological strength as a tool of power, also toward allies and partners.”
Aside from tariff-related pressures, the US “no longer rules out using military force, even against allies,” the agency added.
The wording marks a notable change for the NATO member state, whose security has traditionally rested on the US-led military bloc. FE also pointed to growing uncertainty about how Washington will balance its strategic priorities in the coming years, including the durability of the US role as Europe’s main security guarantor. Trump has repeatedly urged the bloc’s European members to take primary responsibility for their own security, including by sharply raising military spending.
The rising great-power competition in the Arctic has sharply increased international attention to the region, FE wrote. “This applies in particular to the United States’ growing interest in Greenland and its importance to US national security,” it said.
Denmark, which views renewed US pressure over Greenland as a direct threat to its sovereignty, has responded by strengthening its Arctic defense and expanding military and civil monitoring on the island.
Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology today celebrated its 2nd Congregation cohort of graduates in a vibrant ceremony held at the OSU Presbyterian Church Hall in the Greater Accra region. The event saw a powerful call to action for the new professionals to harness their knowledge for the advancement of holistic healthcare in Ghana.
The highlight of the ceremony was the inspiring address delivered by Dr. Buabeng Boahen Foster, the distinguished Chief Executive Director of Buabeng Authentic Herbal Hospital, who served as the special guest speaker. Dr. Foster, captivated the audience with a compelling discourse on the profound importance of Naturopathy and the significant benefits of practicing herbal medicine as a legitimate and impactful profession.
In his address, Dr. Foster underscored the growing global recognition of natural healing modalities and their potential to complement conventional medicine, particularly within the Ghanaian context. He passionately urged the graduating class to embrace their roles as pioneers and innovators. “You have been equipped with invaluable knowledge and skills,” Dr. Foster stated, “and it is now your solemn duty to go forth and exhibit what you have learned to maximize the benefits of homeopathy and Naturopathy for the health and well-being of all Ghanaians.” He further congratulated the graduates on their dedication and hard work, reminding them of the immense responsibility and opportunity that lay ahead.
The ceremony also served as a platform to honor Dr. Buabeng Boahen Foster for his unwavering commitment to the field. In a moment of heartfelt appreciation, he was presented with a prestigious citation in recognition of his outstanding support for herbal medical education and his relentless encouragement within the herbal medical industry and community. The citation acknowledged his pivotal role in fostering growth, innovation, and ethical practice in Ghana’s traditional and alternative medicine sector.
The graduation ceremony at Nyarkotey University College of Holistic Medicine and Technology marks a significant milestone for the institution and its graduates, who are now poised to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s healthcare landscape. With the guidance and inspiration from leaders like Dr. Buabeng Boahen Foster, these new professionals are set to elevate the standards and accessibility of holistic health practices across Ghana.
The government in Kiev has been intensifying its crackdown on the country’s largest Orthodox church
The government in Kiev has sentenced an Orthodox priest to prison over alleged pro-Russia remarks, as it continues a widening campaign against the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC).
Archpriest Ivan Pavlichenko, a cleric at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Odessa, was handed a five-year jail term after the local Court of Appeal overturned his earlier suspended sentence, according to the Center for Public Investigations and reported by regional media over the weekend.
Investigators said Pavlichenko was convicted of “justifying Russia’s armed aggression” and “inciting religious and national hatred.” The trial court found him guilty but handed down a suspended term, which prosecutors appealed as being too light.
The case was built on recordings of the priest’s private phone conversations collected by security services inside his car. Investigators say he criticized Ukraine’s leadership, discussed the conflict, quoted Russian politicians, and questioned Kiev’s official position.
Prosecutors also pointed to comments about Russian strikes on Odessa. Pavlichenko allegedly said the attacks were aimed at drone-production sites and blamed Ukraine for placing military equipment in residential areas.
The appeals court also ordered the confiscation of his property and barred him from holding positions in state institutions for three years.
Local outlets claimed Pavlichenko attended pro-Russian events before 2014 and visited Crimea with his family in 2016. Supporters in Odessa called the verdict politically motivated persecution for his views and past civic activity.
The ruling comes as Kiev intensifies its pressure on the UOC, which officials accuse of maintaining ties to Russia despite the church’s declaration of independence from the Moscow Patriarchate in May 2022. The campaign has included raids on parishes and arrests of clergy, as well as a search of the Kiev-Pechersk monastery.
Last year, Vladimir Zelensky signed legislation allowing the state to ban religious organizations affiliated with governments that Kiev deems “aggressors,” effectively targeting the UOC. Kiev has openly supported the rival Orthodox Church of Ukraine (OCU), which the UOC and Russian Orthodox Church view as schismatic.
Moscow has said it will not abandon Orthodox believers in Ukraine and vowed to ensure that “their lawful rights are respected.”
Australia is set to become the world’s first country to ban social media for children under 16, blocking them from platforms including TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook.
Approved by Parliament last year, the ban is scheduled to take effect on Wednesday. Companies that fail to comply could face penalties equivalent to up to $33 million.
“From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account,” the government said, calling the measure a way to protect children “at a critical stage of their development.”
Platforms will be required to use a mix of signals, including account activity, viewing habits and user photos, to identify underage users. They must also stop minors from circumventing age limits by using fake IDs, AI-generated images, deepfakes or VPNs.
Tech companies have criticized the ban, describing it as “vague,”“problematic,” and “rushed.” TikTok and Meta said the law would be difficult to enforce but pledged to comply. Meta already began removing under-16 accounts ahead of the December 10 deadline. Snapchat and other platforms warned the measure could push young people toward “darker corners of the internet.” Reddit has also sharply criticized the law, calling it “legally erroneous” and “arbitrary.”
Other countries are also exploring similar legislation with the expressed intent of protecting children.
The European Parliament adopted a non-binding resolution in November calling for a minimum age of 16 on social media to ensure “age-appropriate online engagement.” Denmark has proposed banning users under 15, while France, Spain, Italy, Denmark and Greece are jointly testing an age-verification app. Malaysia has announced plans to ban social-media use for under-16s starting in 2026.
Last week, Russia banned Roblox, an online gaming platform marketed largely toward children, over what it called distribution of extremist content and LGBTQ propaganda.
Concerns over child safety online have led to mounting legal pressure. Meta is facing lawsuits in the US alleging it allowed illicit content to remain on its platforms despite repeated violations, including adult strangers contacting minors, suicide, eating disorders, and child sexual abuse.
Paris has reportedly opposed using money held in private French banks to finance Kiev
France does not want to seize frozen Russian state assets held in private French banks, the Financial Times reported on Monday, citing sources.
While officials in Paris support the European Commission’s plan for a “reparations loan” for Ukraine they also oppose any scheme that would draw on Russian money held at commercial banks, arguing those lenders are bound by different contractual obligations than Euroclear, the outlet said.
Last week, European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen set out two options to provide Kiev with €90 billion ($105 billion) over the next two years: EU-level borrowing backed by the bloc’s budget, or a long-debated “reparations loan” backed by profits from the blocked assets that would require institutions holding Russian cash to transfer it into a new loan vehicle.
For more than two years, France has declined to name the private banks holding about €18 billion, according to European parliament research, in Russian assets, citing client confidentiality – a stance that has angered some other EU governments, the newspaper said.
Paris has also withheld details on how any interest accrued on the funds is being used.
The Russian assets in France represent the second-largest tranche in the bloc, behind €185 billion held at privately-owned Belgian firm, Euroclear.
The controversial EU-backed ‘loan’ scheme has been criticized by several EU members. Belgium has warned that an outright confiscation would pose legal and security risks. Other major holders of Russian assets, including Luxembourg and Germany, also oppose a seizure, along with Italy, Hungary and Slovakia.
Recent media reports have said the US is lobbying several EU members to block plans to use frozen assets as collateral for the €140 billion loan to Ukraine, arguing the funds should be kept as leverage in peace talks with Kiev and Moscow. Politico earlier reported that Washington wants the EU to return the money once Russia signs a peace agreement with Ukraine.
Russia has condemned any use of its sovereign assets as theft and warned of legal action and retaliation.
Getting a fully funded scholarship in Ghana can be a total game‑changer for a student. With rising costs of education, such scholarships don’t just cover tuition; they often include living expenses, books, accommodation, and even stipends.
In this post, we’ll walk you through 10 of the top fully funded scholarships in Ghana (and for Ghanaian students abroad), explain what they cover, and show you exactly how to apply so you can make the most of these life-changing opportunities. Let’s jump in!
How to Choose the Right Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana
When you’re looking for fully funded scholarships in Ghana, it’s not enough to apply blindly; picking the right one can make all the difference. Here are some practical steps to guide you
1. Consider Your Study Level
Start by thinking about whether you’re applying as an undergraduate, master’s, or PhD student. Different scholarships are designed for different levels of study; make sure you pick ones that match where you are in your academic journey.
2. Evaluate Eligibility
Check who the scholarship is for. Do you need to be a Ghanaian citizen? Is academic merit a must? Or is there a component of financial need? Many Ghana-based programs require both good grades and proof of financial hardship.
3. Check Coverage Details
“Fully funded” doesn’t always mean the same thing. Some scholarships cover just tuition, while others also include accommodation, living stipends, books, and more. Knowing exactly what is funded will help you make informed decisions.
4. Calendar Planning: Deadlines & Cycles
Take the initiative by learning when scholarship portals open, when deadlines are, and how frequently applications are accepted. For instance, Ghana’s Scholarship Secretariat typically runs its local tertiary scholarship applications in specific months. Make a calendar or tracker to stay on top of all this.
5. Importance of Documentation
Documents are the foundation of strong applications. You’ll usually need transcripts, recommendation letters, your admission letter, proof of ID (like a Ghana Card), and, in some cases, proof of financial need. Your application may succeed or fail based on how well-prepared you are.
Top 10 Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana You Can Apply
Here are some of the best fully funded scholarships in Ghana (or for Ghanaian students abroad) that you should consider. For each scholarship, I cover who offers it, what’s funded, who qualifies, and how to apply.
1. GETFund Scholarship (Local & Foreign)
fully funded scholarships in ghana
The GETFund Scholarship is administered by the Ghana Education Trust Fund. GETFund supports both local undergraduate and graduate students and even offers foreign scholarships for master’s and PhD programs. Depending on the track, the scholarship covers tuition, books, and in some cases a living allowance.
It is eligible for Ghanaian citizens with strong academics and demonstrated financial need. To apply for GETFund, you visit the GETFund portal and submit your application.
2. MTN Ghana Foundation Bright Scholarship
fully funded scholarships in ghana
There’s also the MTN Ghana Foundation Bright Scholarship is sponsored by the MTN Ghana Foundation. It supports high-performing but financially disadvantaged Ghanaian students. Through this program, selected students can receive full tuition, accommodation, book allowances, and more.
The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program is offered through institutions like KNUST and Ashesi University. Students with significant leadership potential and financial need are the target audience for this scholarship. It usually provides full tuition, housing, textbooks, a monthly stipend, and even a laptop; in other words, it does more for you than just pay for your education.
Applicants must apply to the Scholars Program through the respective university portals.
4. GNPC Foundation Scholarship
Then there’s the GNPC Foundation Scholarship, offered by the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation. This program often targets students in STEM fields and supports them with tuition fees, accommodation, and academic materials. The scholarship portal at GNPC is usually used to submit applications.
5. Chevening Scholarships (UK)
fully funded scholarships in ghana
If you’re aiming abroad, the Chevening Scholarship in the UK is one of the most prestigious fully funded options available. With Chevening, you’ll receive full tuition, a monthly stipend, travel allowances, and other support, making it a lifeline for many future leaders.
You can apply to the application window by using the Chevening website.
6. DAAD Scholarships (Germany)
fully funded scholarships in ghana
For students interested in Germany, the DAAD In-Country/In-Region Scholarship is ideal. In particular, the program at the West Africa Centre for Crop Improvement (WACCI) in the University of Ghana offers funding for a Master of Philosophy in Seed Science and Technology, covering tuition and other study-related expenses.
Apply through the DAAD portal or via partner universities.
7. Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS)
fully funded scholarships in ghana
Another excellent choice is the Chinese Government Scholarship (CGS). This scholarship is available to Ghanaian students at the undergraduate, master’s, and PhD levels and typically covers tuition, housing, and a monthly allowance.
How to Apply: Via the Chinese Embassy or the CGS online portal.
8. Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees
fully funded scholarships in ghana
The Erasmus Mundus Joint Master’s Degrees program is a very attractive route for Ghanaian students. These programs are offered by a consortium of European universities, and scholarship winners receive full tuition, a monthly living allowance, travel and installation costs, and insurance. Visit their website on erasmus-plus.ec.europa.eu
9. Türkiye Scholarships
fully funded scholarships in ghana
The Türkiye Scholarships, also known as Türkiye Bursları, are open to Ghanaian students across multiple levels, from undergrad to PhD, and provide a strong financial package that includes tuition, accommodation, stipend, and insurance. You can apply by visiting their portal, www.turkiyeburslari.gov.tr.
10. Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program
fully funded scholarships in ghana
If you are eyeing postgraduate opportunities outside Africa, the Joint Japan/World Bank Graduate Scholarship Program (JJ/WBGSP) is worth considering. This scholarship supports master’s students in development‑oriented fields and typically covers tuition, a monthly stipend, airfare, and health insurance.
Tips to Improve Your Chances for Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana
Start Early & Track Deadlines: Give yourself plenty of time to gather paperwork, write essays, and apply. Use a calendar or tracker to stay on top of deadlines.
Write a Strong Personal Statement: Tell your story clearly and honestly. Explain your goals, why you need the scholarship, and how you’ll use it.
Get Good Recommendation Letters: Ask people who know you well, teachers or mentors, early, and give them your CV or achievements to write something meaningful.
Show Leadership & Community Involvement: Highlight roles or volunteer work that show you lead and give back. Committees often look for well-rounded candidates.
Prepare for Interviews (if required): Some scholarships invite shortlisted candidates to interview. Practice common questions, speak clearly, and be ready to talk about your goals.
Proofread & Double-Check Everything: Carefully review your application, essays, and documents for errors. Ask someone else to proofread; small mistakes can count against you.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for Fully Funded Scholarships in Ghana
Missing or Incorrect Documents: Forgetting to upload key paperwork, such as transcripts, ID, or financial proof, or uploading blurry or expired documents, is a very common mistake.
Submitting Late: Turning in your application after the deadline can instantly disqualify you. Many scholarship portals close strictly on time.
Not Tailoring Essays to Each Scholarship: Using the same personal statement for every scholarship makes your application look lazy or generic. Scholarship panels usually notice and prefer applications that reflect the specific mission of their program.
Overlooking Budget Details (e.g., Travel Costs): Assuming “fully funded” means everything, without checking, can backfire. Some scholarships don’t cover travel, insurance, or other costs, so you might be left with unexpected expenses.
Ignoring Eligibility Nuances: Scholarships often have very specific eligibility criteria (Ghana ID, citizenship, field of study, etc.). Not reading these carefully can lead to applying for programs you don’t actually qualify for.
What to Do After You Apply
Once you’ve submitted your scholarship application, follow up politely via email or check the application portal to confirm everything went through.
If there’s an interview, prepare in advance so you can speak confidently about your goals. Meanwhile, don’t put all your eggs in one basket; apply to multiple scholarships as a backup.
Also, start planning your finances just in case this doesn’t work out: create a budget, explore student loans or part-time work, and keep saving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is eligible for government scholarships in Ghana?
For scholarships from the Ghana Scholarships Secretariat, you usually need to be a Ghanaian citizen, show academic merit, and prove financial need.
When do I apply for local tertiary scholarships in Ghana?
The application period for local tertiary scholarships usually opens between June and August.
What documents do I need to apply?
Commonly required documents include your admission letter, academic transcripts (WASSCE or university), Ghana Card/ID, passport photo, and proof of financial need.
Can I apply for more than one scholarship at a time?
Yes, you may apply for multiple scholarships, but you can generally only benefit from one government-funded scholarship at a time.
Summary
These 10 fully funded scholarships in Ghana represent more than just financial aid; they’re a powerful way to unlock your academic future without paying out of pocket. When you apply wisely, such opportunities can take the weight off your shoulders and let you focus on learning, growing, and building a career.
Don’t let this list slip by: bookmark it, share it with friends, and sign up for scholarship alerts so you never miss out on new chances. With the right timing and preparation, one of these scholarships could be your ticket to achieving your dreams.
Ron DeSantis’ decision to designate CAIR a “terrorist organization” could fuel Islamophobia across the US, the group’s head has warned
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) said on Tuesday it would sue Florida Governor Ron DeSantis after the Republican labeled the group a “foreign terrorist organization.” CAIR called the move unconstitutional and defamatory.
DeSantis signed an executive order on Tuesday designating CAIR as a “foreign terrorist organization” and urged state agencies to act against anyone who provides “material support” to the group.
In response, CAIR’s Florida branch announced a lawsuit, saying the governor’s “designation has no basis in law or fact.” Deputy executive director Hiba Rahim said at a news conference that the order was an attack rooted in conspiracy theories and compared it to past efforts that targeted Jewish, Irish, and Italian American communities.
The order alleges CAIR has ties to Palestinian militant group Hamas and it instructs Florida agencies to prevent CAIR from receiving “any state contracts, employment or funding.”
“We are very proud to defend the founding principles of our Constitution, to defend free speech,” Rahim told reporters on Tuesday. “We’ll continue doing the work that we do every day to defend civil liberties and protect American Muslims, and to protect the community at large and to uphold the Constitution,” he added.
On its website, the group describes itself as a civil rights and advocacy organization, saying “CAIR’s civil rights department counsels, mediates and advocates on behalf of Muslims and others who have experienced religious discrimination, defamation or hate crimes.”
Rahim said DeSantis’s decision would not have an immediate effect on the group, but warned it could fuel Islamophobia in Florida and across the US. According to her, the governor’s support for Israel played a role in the order and the group’s activism caused “discomfort” to the US ally.
DeSantis defended the move on Tuesday, saying his administration had sufficient grounds and that he welcomed a lawsuit, calling it “a long time coming.” His order also labels the Muslim Brotherhood a “foreign terrorist” organization, following President Donald Trump’s executive order last month to consider designating certain chapters of the Muslim Brotherhood a foreign terrorist organization. DeSantis said he expects Florida lawmakers to pursue related legislation when they meet again in January, calling his action “the beginning.”
Critics, however, called the governor’s “foreign terrorist” label largely symbolic, noting that such designations can be made only at the federal level.
Moscow prioritizes a durable peace rather than a limited truce, spokesman Dmitry Peskov has said
Russia is seeking a durable, legally binding peace agreement with Ukraine rather than a limited ceasefire, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Wednesday. His remarks came after Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky proposed a moratorium on energy strikes as the country faces worsening power outages.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Peskov weighed in on Zelensky’s signal that Kiev was prepared to discuss a halt to energy-related attacks, which he said “is important for the people.”
According to Peskov, Russia remains focused on reaching a legally binding settlement rather than a temporary pause. “I’ll leave out some nuances, but we are working on peace, not on a ceasefire. A stable, guaranteed, long-term peace, achieved through the signing of appropriate documents, is an absolute priority,” the spokesman stressed.
In March, Russia and Ukraine agreed to a 30-day energy infrastructure ceasefire, which was reached after a phone call between President Vladimir Putin and his US counterpart, Donald Trump. Russian officials, however, accused Ukraine of constantly violating the truce, including by targeting oil refineries and other energy facilities. Moscow said at the time that it had opted not to retaliate as a goodwill gesture toward the US and its mediation efforts.
Zelensky’s latest proposal comes as Russia has targeted Ukraine’s military and energy infrastructure in recent weeks, prompting officials in Kiev to impose rolling blackouts.
Moscow has said the strikes are in response to Ukrainian “terrorist acts” deep into Russia, targeting critical infrastructure and residential areas. Russia maintains that its forces never target civilians and strike only military-related facilities.
