By Alex Baah Boadi
Sefwi-Akoti (WN/R), Sept. 11, GNA – The Chirano Sefwiman Foundation Scholarship Scheme, has held a second graduation ceremony for 21 tertiary students who benefitted from the scheme, with an additional 24 students also getting full scholarship from the Foundation.
Both the graduands and new beneficiaries were drawn from the 20 communities within the company’s catchment area.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Stephen Asante Yamoah, General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano, said though the company worked every day with valuable resources beneath the earth, they recognised that the most enduring resource available to any society was the potential within its people, hence the essence of the company’s huge investment in education.
“The scholarships we are awarding today represent our belief that investment in young people is to solve problems, build careers, support businesses and families, and participate meaningfully in the development of their communities,” he said.
He also explained that the company’s educational interventions extended beyond the award of scholarships, noting that the company and Sefwiman Foundation had over the years supported the construction and rehabilitation of classrooms, kindergarten facilities, teachers’ accommodation, literacy programmes, and donation of educational materials among others aimed at reflecting a connected approach to educational needs.
The General Manager announced that the company was witnessing the results of the investments made as 21 graduates had successfully completed their tertiary education in various fields.
Mr Yamoah urged the graduates to use their knowledge to empower others, saying; “Society will expect integrity, initiative adaptability, sound judgment, good communication skills, teamwork and continuous improvement from you.”
He also charged them to continue to read, seek professional certificates and new skills, and remain informed about developments in their chosen fields.
“A degree may open a door, but competence, character and consistent performance will determine how far you progress,” he added.
Mr Yamoah further charged the 24 who received the scholarships to justify why they were selected among the lot and asked them to be conscious that they were carrying the expectations of their families and communities.
He expressed appreciation to the Foundation chairman, Board of trustees, Traditional authorities, the community consultative committee, and all stakeholders who contributed to the success of the programme.
Mr Kwaku Sarfo Duah, Board Chairman for the Chirano Sefwiman Foundation, for his part explained that education was selected as one of the Foundation’s principal areas of investment because its benefits extended across generations.
He lauded the scholarship committee, and the Board of trustees for their diligence and fairness throughout the process.
He announced that a total of 54 graduates had been produced since the inception of the Foundation and believed this marked an important achievement.
Miss Lois Karikari, Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Tarkwa, on behalf of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the company for the support, saying it had relieved them of a significant financial burden and given them the opportunity to focus more fully on their studies.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga /Kenneth Odeng Adade
11 Sept 2026
Reporter Alex Baah Boadi