The beneficiaries would pursue programmes in sciences, education, nursing, pharmacy, medicine, engineering disciplines, construction and information technology, among others.

The scholarship, an initiative of the EDA, in collaboration with the Ghana National Gas Company (Ghana Gas) and other oil and gas-related companies, is a five-year $10-million scholarship scheme set up to support human resource development in the district.

A total of GH¢1.5 million has been disbursed to the 420 beneficiaries, who happened to be the first batch of beneficiaries.

Origin of scheme

At the awards ceremony at the assembly to present the award, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Kwesi Bonzoh, said for sustainability, transparency and fairness, the fund was under the management of a board made up of respected members of society, Nzema citizens and businesses.

He said the initiative started with about 50 beneficiaries in 2017, and “I am happy to say that today, we can talk about 420 beneficiaries drawn mainly from the district, who are struggling with little or no support to move to the next level.”

The DCE instituted the scheme dubbed “the Ellembelle District Scholarship Scheme (EDSS)” to address funding barriers.

Mr Bonzoh said there were ongoing discussions to further increase the beneficiaries in the coming years and to even cover those who wish to learn trades but were unable to do so due to financial constraints.

Empowering youth

“We have young and energetic people who are ready and willing to upgrade themselves – never again should lack of funding prevent our young people from becoming the engineers, doctors, nurses, teachers and mine workers needed for the development of the country and Nzemaland,” Mr Bonzoh stressed.

 Under the scheme, he said the beneficiaries would receive financial assistance to pay their academic fees, accommodation, books and stationery, a daily stipend and transportation, among others.

The district, he said, was currently playing host to mining, oil and gas activities, as well as many other industries.

“We, therefore, have to prepare our young people to pre-empt any possible job announcements from these companies,” he said.

Corporate bodies

Ahead of the awards, he said the assembly realised that the number of students needing support was more than what the assembly, through its internally generated funds (IGF), could support.

“So, we approached corporate bodies in the area to consider redirecting part of their social investment funds to support those at risk of dropping out of school”, adding that the assembly was relieved after receiving a one million-cedi cheque from Ghana Gas when the students were in serious need.

 According to him, in the district, there were dwindling numbers of nursing, teaching and other essential staff due to lack of some social amenities and “therefore, if we support our own people, I am sure they will be retained to help our people.”

Aside from the educational staff, he said the district and its adjoining municipalities have become an industrial hub due to the presence of natural resources such as gold, gas processing, agric processing, tourism and hospitality.

There is a need to have enough skills to meet the demands.