By Muyid Deen Suleman, GNA
Obuasi (Ash), Nov. 26, GNA – AngloGold Ashanti, Obuasi Mine, (AGA) has awarded scholarships amounting to GHS 151,745.93.00 to 20 students of the Obuasi campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).Â
Each student is expected to receive a total of GHS 30,420.00, over the four-year duration of their studies.
The scholarship will encompass tuition and accommodation expenses.‎
Additionally, each of the beneficiaries was presented with a laptop and a bag, as part of the scholarship package.‎
The 20 students were carefully selected out of the total 154 students, who applied for the scholarship.
This beneficiaries represent the first cohort of the Community Scholarship Scheme, which seeks to cultivate resilient and socio-economically self-sustaining communities within the Obuasi enclave.‎
It is also designed to act as a catalyst for social mobility, economic empowerment, and enhanced access to quality education.‎
Mr. Samuel Pobee, Managing Director of AGA, speaking at the ceremony, said AGA’s three-year Social Management Plan (SMP), which spanned from 2019 to 2021, saw the establishment of the Obuasi campus of the KNUST.
This, he said, was part of the 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) of the company.‎
He said the scholarship scheme was not solely intended to assist the youth, but also to ensure that they emerged as capable leaders and change-makers, equipped to confront the challenges of the future.‎
Mr Pobee, emphasized that the scholarship initiative had taken into account the ever-increasing demands of the job market and the necessity of harmonizing educational opportunities with requisite skills and knowledge.‎
He further stated that, AGA was steadfast in its commitment to supporting students in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), in addition to Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET).‎
He, however, said AGA would diligently monitor the academic performance of the recipients and any student exhibiting poor academic standing would have their scholarship revoked and reassigned to new candidates.‎
Highlighting some of AGA’s accomplishments in the education sector, he noted the commissioning of a GHS 8.4 million state-of-the-art robotics center at the Obuasi Secondary Technical School.
In collaboration with the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, AGA has also provided educational materials valued at GHS 147,000.00 to 49 primary schools in the Adansi enclave.‎
He noted that in 2024, AGA inaugurated an ultra-modern block for Sanso Methodist Primary and M/A Junior High School to benefit the residents of Sanso and neighboring communities.‎
He urged the beneficiaries to pursue their academic endeavours with excellence, seek knowledge relentlessly, and aspire to become leaders in their respective fields.‎
He also advised them to embrace the opportunity with gratitude and dedication, reminding them that education demanded hard work, resilience, and commitment.‎
Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor of KNUST, commended AngloGold Ashanti for its unwavering support of the university’s collective goals.‎
She stated that AngloGold and KNUST were collaboratively sowing the seeds that would flourish into skilled professionals, innovators, and creative thinkers for a brighter tomorrow.‎
Several beneficiaries who spoke to GNA expressed gratitude to the company and pledged to study diligently to achieve outstanding results.‎
GNA‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎
Edited by Kwabia Owusu-Mensah/Christian Akorlie