By Agbaxode Emmanuel
Dzodze (V/R), March 23, GNA – Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has commended the Ketu North Scholarship Award Scheme, describing it as a transformative initiative shaping the future of young people in the Municipality.
He said the programme, spearheaded by Mr Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, was a clear demonstration of visionary and people-centred leadership needed to drive development in his Constituency and Ghana at large.
Mr Dwumfour made the remarks when he delivered a keynote address at the Second Edition of the ‘Ketu North Scholar’ Award Ceremony held at the Ketu North Municipal Assembly Hall in Dzodze on Sunday.
He noted that access to education remained a major challenge for many young Ghanaians, particularly at the tertiary level. He stressed that initiatives such as the scholarship scheme were critical in bridging the gap between talent and opportunity.
“Education is not a privilege but a fundamental right. Yet, for many brilliant young people, the cost of tertiary education remains a major barrier. What is being done here today is not just the awarding of scholarships, but the unlocking of futures,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour stated that the over 400 tertiary students who benefited from this year’s scholarship package remained a significant intervention that would positively impact families and communities within the area.
He urged beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and uphold integrity, reminding them that they carried the hopes of their families and the expectations of society.
“You are not just recipients of scholarship; you are trustees of your community’s hope. Study with diligence and remember to give back to society when you succeed,” he advised.
The GJA President praised Mr Agbana for his consistency in implementing the initiative, noting that the programme went beyond political promises and reflected a genuine commitment to human development.
He assured that the GJA would continue to support such initiatives through advocacy, visibility, and strategic partnerships to promote education and national development.
Mr Dwumfour also announced a personal financial contribution to the scholarship fund to support its sustainability and expansion.
Mr Agbana in his remarks, said the scholarship scheme was born out of a desire to ease the financial burden on families and ensure that no qualified student was denied tertiary education due to lack of funds.
He said investing in education remained the most sustainable pathway to development and pledged his continued commitment to expanding the initiative to benefit more students in the Municipality.
“Our focus is to build human capital and give every young person in Ketu North a fair chance to succeed. This is not a one-time intervention, but a long-term commitment to the future of our people,” he said.
Mr Agbana called on corporate bodies, development partners, and individuals to support the initiative to ensure its sustainability.
Some traditional authorities at the event also lauded the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful.
A cross-section of parents of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the organisers, stating that the support would ease the financial burden on families and enable students to focus on their studies.
Some of the beneficiaries the GNA engaged, said the scholarship had renewed their hope of completing tertiary education, adding that they are determined to excel and give back to society.
The Ketu North Scholarship Award Scheme is aimed at supporting brilliant but needy students in the Municipality to pursue tertiary education and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The ceremony brought together students, parents, traditional authorities, and other stakeholders, who lauded the initiative and called for its continuation.
Other special guests include, Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares), Mr Kwame Asare Obeng, popularly known as ‘A-Plus’ MP for Gomoa Central, and Mr Julius Neequaye Kotey, the Chief Executive of Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei