The Chirano Sefwiman Foundation Scholarship Scheme has celebrated its first batch of beneficiaries at a colourful ceremony held at the company’s mine village.
The beneficiaries, made up of 33 graduates, pursued various academic programmes in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field.
Mr Stephen Asante Yamoah, General Manager of the Company, in a speech at the graduation ceremony said, the occasion was a celebration of the academic achievement and a testament to what could be accomplished when communities and corporate partners worked together for a common goal.
He explained that the Scholarship Scheme was born out of a shared vision between Asante Gold Chirano Limited and the company’s Community Consultative Committee (CCC), a body made-up of community leaders, representatives of government agencies and other stakeholders.
The General Manager continued that the impact of the scholarship extended far beyond the individual beneficiaries, adding that education was a powerful catalyst for transformation and that the ripple effects of this investment would be felt in their catchment communities.
“At Asante Gold Chirano Limited, we believe that investing in the people is the cornerstone of sustainable development and that this scholarship is a testament to our dedication to building a future where every young person can thrive, regardless of their background,” Mr Yamoah said.
According to him, when the Scheme was introduced in 2020, their goal was to create opportunities for talented but underprivileged youth to pursue higher education.
He said since its inception, 107 scholarships had been awarded, demonstrating their sustained commitment to empowering the youth in their host communities.
The General Manager announced the company had so far spent an estimated amount of GHC752,000 on the graduates covering full or partial tuition and accommodation throughout their education.
Mr Yamoah advised them to take advantage of the opportunity given them and work hard with integrity to serve their various communities and the country in general.
Mr DinDiok Chialin, the outgoing Board Chairman of the Company, said the collective objective of the scholarship was to open doors of opportunities for students who otherwise would have struggled to pursue higher education.
He commended the three paramountcies- Anwhiaso, Wiawso and Chirano-for shaping the initiative for its intended purpose.
Nana Kofi Nkuah, Chief of Sefwi-Ahwiaa and Dwantoahene of Wiawso Traditional Area, who chaired the programme, lauded the company for investing in the future of the youth and advised the beneficiaries to justify the investment made in them.
Mr Kwabena Musah, Logistics and Procurement Officer at the Western North Regional Education Directorate, commended the company for their continuous support in the region’s education sector.
He praised them for helping two pupils from Paboase Junior High School who received national awards last year and another two from same school who would be receiving same award this year as part of the country’s independence celebration.
Ms Lily Nkansah Bosompim, a graduate from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology with Mb.ChB Medicine and Surgery, on behalf of the beneficiaries thanked the company for the huge investment in them and promised to come back and give to their communities.
She encouraged young girls from the Western North Region to avoid negative use of social media and concentrate on their studies since that was the only way to be useful in society.
GNA
JP/BM
02 March 2025
