Twenty-four students within Ghana Rubber Estates Limited’s (GREL) operational areas have been awarded scholarship packages to pursue their studies at various tertiary institutions across the country.
The beneficiaries are two – a male and female – from each traditional council in the Western, Central and Eastern Regions.
Perry Acheampong, Corporate Affairs Manager at GREL – during a brief ceremony at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West municipality of the Western Region – explained: “This, is the 12th edition of our scholarship package, and we try to improve upon the system every year. Initially, we were doing a centralised interview, but currently it is being done with the communities including the Association of Chiefs on whose Land GREL Operates (ACLANGO)”.
According to him, about 400 students have benefitted from the scheme since its inception. “Apart from providing infrastructure for the people, raising the educational standard is our priority; and we expect the beneficiaries to come back to their respective communities after their studies to impact lives”.
Meanwhile, he said children in basic schools within the company’s catchment areas have been provided with school uniforms, books and bags to relieve some of the burden on parents and guardians.
Mr. Achempong encouraged the beneficiaries to take their education seriously.
Awulae Angama Tuagyan, Omanhene of Gwira Traditional Area, for his part said: “Go and learn and make us proud, and spread the good news to the communities that it is through efforts of the chiefs that you’ve been awarded with this scholarship package. GREL has been doing a lot of developmental projects in the communities: such as constructing a teacher’s bungalow, school blocks and health facilities, among others”.
Nana Kwesi Agyeman IX, Chairman of ACLANGO, praised GREL for fulfilling its promise to the chiefs and people of beneficiary communities.
Blessed Nyamakye Ackah Baidoo, a student at the University of Mines and Technology (UMaT) on behalf of the beneficiaries expressed appreciation to GREL for their support.
