By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY
Tullow Ghana and its partners have launched the Tertiary Scholars Aid Project, to support the education of needy but brilliant students in the Western Region’s seven coastal districts.
The initiative, dubbed ‘Economic Development Through Education’, will cover seven coastal districts: namely Shama, Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Effia Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA), Ahanta-West, Nzema-East, Jomoro and Ellembelle.
Under the Scholars Aid Project, 100 students pursuing courses at public universities, colleges of education and colleges of health across the country will receive financial assistance.
The support will cover the programme’s entire duration for each beneficiary depending on the programme and institution enrolled, providing a holistic support package.
Edmund Fiifi Enchil, Social Performance Manager at Tullow, said over the years the company and its partners have invested in communities’ socio-economic needs in their operational areas.
He pointed out that they have provided significant support for the educational sector in terms of dormitories and other infrastructure.
He said Tullow also focuses on agribusiness initiatives led by the youth.
Vincent Annan, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)-Sekondi-Takoradi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (STCCI) and the project’s implementing Institution, explained that: “The academic fees of students who qualify under the scholarship will be provided annually; and stipends will also be given to them every semester. Accommodation support will also be provided every semester, and in addition each student will receive a laptop”.
As part of the selection criteria, he said, priority will be placed on students who demonstrate exceptional academic potential and financial need, ensuring that the aid reaches those most in need.
“Beneficiaries will be selected from communities within the partners area of influence. 50 percent of the tertiary award will support the progression of scholars from the Scholars’ Aid Project, ensuring sustained support for their academic journey,” he said.
“It will be a transparent selection process based on academic merit and financial need, ensuring that the most deserving candidates are chosen,” he assured.
On when the scholarship will be opened for applications, Mr. Elijah Boye-Ampah, a Senior Social Performance Advisor at Tullow Ghana said: “There are differences in the academic calender of various tertiary institutions, so we may have to discuss with their heads.
“However, we will open the application portal for a week – and within 21 days we will finish all the processes so the selected applicants can go to school by October 31, 2024.”
George Effah, Acting Western Regional Director-Ghana Education Service (GES), on his part said it is important that education is accessible for all to bring about development.
“The scholarship presents hope and a brighter future, and we applaud Tullow and its partners for support in developing the youths future,” he said.
Nana Professor Akempem Nkrumah – Kyedomhene of Lower Dixcove Traditional Area and Chairman for the occasion – noted human capital is the mainstay and a very important factor of every nation.
He congratulated Tullow and its partners for supporting education and the country’s human resources.
