The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC) Foundation has recently issued a public alert regarding its scholarship program, specifically targeting prospective applicants. On November 5, the Foundation warned students and their families about fraudulent individuals who are impersonating representatives of the scholarship scheme in order to solicit money. These scammers falsely claim they can facilitate the scholarship application process for a fee, creating confusion and anxiety among potential candidates. The GNPC Foundation has strongly stated that the scholarship is entirely free, specifically reiterating that no fees or charges should ever be paid by scholarship applicants.
In its communication, the GNPC Foundation asserted that “Absolutely nothing is requested from scholarship applicants to merit the scholarship facility.” This declaration reinforces the organization’s commitment to providing financial support to ambitious but needy Ghanaian students over their tertiary education endeavors without any financial burden. The Foundation emphasized that paying money to these fraudulent individuals not only poses a significant risk to applicants but also degrades the integrity of the scholarship program itself. By painting a clear picture of this issue, the organization aims to protect vulnerable students from becoming victims of scam artists who exploit their desperate circumstances.
The GNPC Foundation has also highlighted the legal ramifications of engaging with scammers, noting that such actions could violate Ghanaian laws. The organization specifically mentioned how soliciting funds for the scholarship program can amount to serious criminal offenses, including “Personation, Extortion, and Defrauding by False Pretence” under the country’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). This alert serves not only as a warning but also as an educational message to raise awareness about the importance of due diligence when interacting with anyone claiming to be associated with the scholarship scheme.
In response to this alarming rise in fraudulent activity, the GNPC Foundation reassured the public that security agencies are actively conducting investigations into these deceitful practices. The management of the GNPC Foundation confirmed that they take these matters seriously and are collaborating with law enforcement to hold these scammers accountable. Their commitment to stopping such activities reflects an understanding of their responsibility to students and seeks to restore confidence in their scholarship program.
The Foundation’s proactive stance on tackling this issue is crucial for ensuring that genuine applicants can pursue their academic dreams without fear of being exploited. By reinforcing their message about the scholarship’s free nature and the legal implications of engaging with scammers, the GNPC Foundation aims to protect the integrity of its services and maintain a trustworthy relationship with prospective students and their families. Their efforts are vital in discouraging fraudulent activities that could otherwise tarnish the reputation of their scholarship initiative.
Ultimately, the GNPC Foundation hopes that through increased public awareness, students will be able to discern legitimate scholarship opportunities from fraudulent schemes. By keeping the scholarship application process transparent and accessible, the Foundation can ensure that deserving students receive the support they need to succeed in their educational pursuits. This initiative not only underscores the Foundation’s commitment to educational equity but also serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in the face of deceit.
