Goldfields Ghana Foundation has presented scholarships to 40 students of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The beneficiary students were drawn from the 19 host communities of the Tarkwa and Damang Mines.
Presenting the cheque, the Executive Secretary of Gold Fields Ghana Foundation, Mr. Abdel Razak Yakubu, urged the awardees to effectively utilise the scholarship to excel in their education, and assured them of the continuous support of the Foundation.
He explained that the Scholarship Programme was open to students who had gained admission into any tertiary institution in Ghana.
Mr. Abdel Razak Yakubu
To qualify, he said, one must either be a native of any of the company’s 19 host communities, or must be resident in that community before Gold Fields started its operations in Ghana.
“Applicants complete a form that is issued by the Foundation to community chiefs and assembly members. Before a candidate is considered for an interview, the chief must endorse the form as proof that the candidate indeed satisfies the residency condition,” Mr. Yakubu said.
He indicated that the ultimate desire of the Foundation was to develop and maintain the culture of giving back to society.
However, he said financial constraints had been a major obstacle for many brighter young minds, and these forced them to abandon their educational aspirations and settle for a life that was far below their potential.
“As Goldfields Ghana Foundation, it is our duty to bridge this gap and provide opportunities for growth and development,” he stated.
That, according to Mr. Abdel Razak Yakubu, the Scholarship Scheme was not just about financial aid, but it was about recognising and celebrating talented resilient students for their desire
The Registrar, Mr. Enoch Gideon Abbeyquaye, who received the cheque, expressed appreciation to the Foundation for its benevolence and investment in students.
Mr. Abbeyquaye said naturally, educational scholarships provided an opportunity for many people to go to school and actualize their dreams and support society.
Mr. Enoch Gideon Abbeyquaye
He advised the beneficiaries to show gratitude to the Foundation by studying hard to make the scholarships worthwhile.
In a remark, the Head of Students’ Financial Support Office (StuFSO),UCC, Ms. Grace Mensah, congratulated the scholarship recipients for their hard work and perseverance and encouraged them to remain focused on their studies.
“The only difficulty you should face is studying. Goldfields Ghana Foundation believes in your potential, and that is the reason it is investing in your dreams and future,” she said.
A level 300 Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, Ms. Mary Osei, on behalf of the beneficiaries, expressed appreciation to the Foundation for the support.
Source: Documentation and Information Section