The remaining GHC100,000 will be used to construct 15 boreholes within the Damongo township to help address the acute water crisis in the area.

The donation forms part of the Bank's corporate social responsibility initiative of giving back to communities, especially within its operational areas. The gesture followed an appeal made by the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, during a courtesy visit by the Managing Director of GCB Bank, Farihan Alhassan, after his appointment.

At a brief ceremony to present the cheque in Damongo, the Board Chairman of GCB Bank, Professor Joshua Alabi, highlighted the vital role education plays in national development and stressed the need for collective support to enable underprivileged students to pursue their education.

"We all know the importance of education and what an educational trust fund is meant for. We all must contribute to supporting brilliant but needy students," Prof. Alabi said.

He said the Gonja Kingdom had produced many leaders across various sectors and expressed confidence that with the right support, the kingdom could nurture even more leaders and contributors to national development. He encouraged students in need to take advantage of the Educational Fund to further their education.

On the donation for the construction of 15 boreholes, Prof. Alabi said the gesture would help to address the persistent water crisis in the area.
He said, "when water is available, workers and students can go about their activities on time. When it is not, they spend valuable time searching for water".
He added that the construction of the boreholes would also help reduce waterborne diseases and improve the living conditions of the people of Damongo.

For his part, the Managing Director of GCB Bank, Farihan Alhassan, said the gesture was in line with the Bank's commitment to supporting local communities and forging strong partnerships with traditional authorities.

"We are not doing this only in Damongo. We are making similar donations in other parts of the country to fulfil our goal of giving back to society," he said.
He indicated that the cost of constructing the boreholes had already been paid to the contractor about a month ago to ensure swift commencement of work.

Yagbonwura Soale commended the management of GCB Bank for the support and pledged to ensure that the funds will be put to good use.
He explained that the educational fund sought to prevent brilliant students from dropping out of school due to financial constraints.