By Erica Apeatua Addo
Tarkwa (W/R), June 24, GNA-Professor Richard Kwasi Amankwah, Vice Chancellor (VC) of the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, has proposed to the Gold Fields Ghana Foundation (GFGF) to construct a hostel for students on their scholarship programme.
He said accommodation was quite expensive around Tarkwa, and a big chunk of the scholarship funds students received from the GFGF went into accommodation.
Speaking at the Mines 2024/2025 scholarship awards ceremony, which was held at the UMaT in Tarkwa, the VC stated that “I’m hoping Gold Fields will consider in its next major budget, if you can build one hostel for such people, where you can control the price.
“So, for instance if Gold Fields gives each beneficiary GH¢10,000 and it is clear that GH¢ 4000 is for accommodation, students will pay the exact amount and use the rest for other things,” he indicated.
Prof. Amankwah said scholarships served as a key support system for people to move forward, and that he had witnessed numerous lives transformed with just a little help from individuals and corporate organizations.
He said many students had to defer their programmes due to insufficient funds to cover their school fees for a particular academic year, adding that due to financial constraints, brilliant students may end up spending six years on a four-year programme.
According to him, “when a company comes up and says I want to give scholarships so that students in my catchment area can go to school, it is a great thing, and I applaud Gold Fields for that.”
The VC recalled that about two years ago, he saw a WhatsApp video of a young technical student from the Bono Ahafo region who had built a small aero plane that could fly.
“I was impressed and wanted to assist, so l asked the University Relations Officer to find the boy and bring him to me.
“This boy came, he didn’t have Senior High School certificate, but l was determined to help, so l initiated a scholarship for brilliant, talented, and gifted students, and I awarded him a scholarship,” he explained
Prof. Amankwah said he pursued a certificate in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and later enrolled in a diploma programme, but in his second year, he participated in the presidential pitch competition and emerged as the winner.
“He won an award of $25,000 and currently, this young man, I call him, inventor, he is doing marvelous. My hope is that he will play a key role in shaping the future of engineering and inventions in Ghana, driving progress and growth,” the VC said.
He, therefore, encouraged students who were fortunate to benefit from the scholarship to utilize the opportunity to excel academically, going beyond just ending a first-class degree.
Prof. Amankwah also implored the beneficiaries to envision themselves as leaders who inspired others, creating chances for fellow young people to thrive and reach their full potential.
GNA
Edited By Justina Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah