The Chirano Sefwiman Foundation has celebrated a major feat with the graduation of its first batch of 33 scholarship beneficiaries who have completed their tertiary education.
The graduates, now equipped with degrees in fields such as Medicine, Engineering, Nursing, Pharmacy and Education, were the first cohort to benefit from the foundation’s scholarship programme.
Founded in 2021, the Chirano Sefwiman Foundation aims to provide educational support to talented but financially disadvantaged students from the 20 communities surrounding Asante Gold Chirano Ltd.’s operations.
The initiative, developed through collaboration with the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and traditional leaders, has enrolled 107 students to date, with 33 graduates marking the programme’s first successful cohort.
During the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Governors, Dindiok Chialin, praised the high percentage of graduates who pursued Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, noting that over 80 percent of the cohort chose these fields. This focus, he said, aligns with the foundation’s goal to nurture skills essential for both local and national development.
Mr. Chialin stressed the graduates’ potential to contribute significantly to the progress of the Chirano catchment communities.
He also commended the CCC and traditional authorities for prioritising education, despite numerous other community needs.
He acknowledged Asante Gold Chirano Ltd. for its commitment to the foundation, emphasising that US$1 from every ounce of gold produced by the company is dedicated to supporting the foundation, with all administrative costs covered by the company to ensure that every cedi raised directly benefit the students.
The General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano Limited, Stephen Asante Yamoah, expressed his pride in the graduates, calling them “pioneers and ambassadors of a brighter future” for their communities.
He revealed that the company had invested GH₵750,000 in the graduates’ education, covering tuition and accommodation fees. Yamoah encouraged the graduates to give back to their communities, quoting the saying: “To whom much is given, much is expected”.
Nana Eluo Panyin, the Kyidomhene of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, also addressed the gathering, praising Asante Gold Chirano Limited for its role in supporting the foundation and urging the graduates to apply their knowledge to address community challenges.
He stressed the responsibility they now carry, having benefitted from the sacrifices of their communities; and encouraged them to serve as role models, inspiring others who had not had access to formal education.
“Always analyse issues critically before concluding, and distinguish between what is genuine and what is false,” Nana Eluo advised the graduates.
He also encouraged them to explore job opportunities both locally and online, as positions at the mining company were limited while emphasising the importance of self-reliance.
On behalf of the graduates, Dr. Lily Bosompem Nkansah expressed heartfelt gratitude to the foundation, Asante Gold Chirano Ltd. and their families for their firm support.
She pledged that the graduates would uphold the values of hard work, integrity and service to their communities.
