The Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Limited (BOST) has taken a significant step toward improving education in the engineering sector by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education.
As part of BOST’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the company has initiated a scholarship programme aimed at paying for the education of 50 engineering students at the University of Mines and Technology, Tarkwa. This initiative, called the BOST Scholarship Scheme, will cover the full four-year tuition and associated costs for selected beneficiaries.
The scholarship programme was developed in response to a request from the Ministry of Education for BOST to partner with them in providing scholarships for needy but brilliant students throughout the country to pursue Engineering and Computer Science Degrees/courses at seven public universities in the country.
At the signing ceremony, Harriet Amoah, Head of Legal at BOST, gave some background on the scholarship programme. She noted that: “In December 2021, the Ministry of Education approached us with a request to partner in providing scholarships to needy but brilliant students across the country, and BOST responded positively in line with our CSR policy on education – but with the condition that sponsorships from the company should go directly to impacted communities”.
She noted that together with the Ministry of Education they visited areas affected by BOST’s operations and selected 50 beneficiaries out of over 200 candidates. The selected students had already commenced their studies at the Tarkwa School of Mines.
On his part, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, Minister for Education, expressed his appreciation to BOST for heeding their call and giving the beneficiaries – who are from poor homes and deprived communities – an opportunity to secure a better future.
According to Dr. Adutwum, he is a prime example of the transformative power of education… as mentioned in his speech. He noted that without education, he would not be in his current position as Minister for Education. He praised BOST for its responsiveness to their call and willingness to support the scholarship scheme.
He noted that the scheme fits into the overall policy of government to improve access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. “Overall, the BOST Scholarship Scheme is a promising and commendable initiative that can positively impact the lives of the 50 selected beneficiaries and their communities. The partnership between BOST and the Ministry of Education highlights the importance of public-private collaborations in addressing societal challenges and promoting education and economic growth,” he added.
The scholarship package will cost a total of GH₵1.5million and cover the cost of tuition, accommodation, a laptop and stipends to support each beneficiary’s upkeep. The scholarship programme will also provide internship opportunities, mentors, career coaches, and help facilitate the beneficiaries’ National Service postings.
In an interview, Marlick Adjei – General Manager-Corporate Communications at BOST, noted that the scholarship will go a long way to help guarantee security and safety for the company’s infrastructure since it serves as a livelihood alternative for youth in the impact areas.
He also expressed confidence that the scholarship programme will help to create a pool of well-trained engineers who contribute to the country’s development.
“This scholarship programme is a testament of BOST’s commitment to improving education in the country and government’s efforts at improving access to STEM education. It is hoped that beneficiaries of this scheme will take advantage of this opportunity to secure a better future and contribute meaningfully to the country’s development,” he said.
