For ten years, West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited (WAPCO) has been extending a hand of support to brilliant students in its host communities in both Shama and Tema by fully funding their tertiary education through a scholarship scheme set up by the gas pipeline company.
The scheme first started with the provision of scholarships for brilliant students in the Senior High School (SHS), but with the introduction of the free SHS in 2017, it was extended into tertiary education.
For the last ten years since the scholarship scheme was established, a total of 642 brilliant students, drawn only from the seven host communities of the Gas Pipeline Company, in Shama and Tema, have benefited from the company’s scholarship scheme.
At the ceremony to present scholarships to the 2024 batch at Shama, it was a moment of pride and honour for parents who watched their wards receive scholarship packages to fund their tertiary education for a period of four years.
A total of 50 brilliant students from the company’s host communities in Shama received a fully funded scholarship from the Gas Pipeline Company.
Each student received a $600 package that would take care of tuition fees, accommodation and other materials.
In all, the company is spending a whopping sum of GH¢462,000.00 on the 50 brilliant students, made up of 37 males and 33 females.
Witnessing the ceremony for the first time, the Managing Director of WAPCO, Michelle Burkett, conceded it was a true honour and privilege to witness what she described as a momentous occasion.
“We are here not only to celebrate the accomplishments of remarkable individuals but also to reaffirm WAPCo’s commitment as a company to the future of our communities,” she said.
She added that, the ceremony marked a significant “milestone in our journey, one that underscores our unwavering belief in the power of education and the boundless potential of our youth.”
She further added that as a company deeply rooted in the communities where it operates, they recognized that their success was intricately linked to the well-being and advancement of those around us.
Their mission, therefore, was to extend beyond the gas transportation services it provides.
The scholarship program, however, was a testament to their vision—a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers and change makers.
The WAPCO Managing Director continued that, in keeping with their commitment to fostering education and supporting communities, WAPCo was proud to announce the award of the scholarship scheme.
The total cost of the scholarships for the current academic year, she mentioned, was pegged at 462,000 Ghana cedis.
In addition to these new scholarships, WAPCo, she indicated, was also supporting approximately 120 continuing students in tertiary institutions across Ghana, with an additional expenditure of GH¢750,000 cedis this year.
That brings the total investment by WAPCo in the education of students from our seven host communities in Ghana for this academic year to a little over GH¢1,200,000 cedis.
Mrs. Burkett added the company was honoured to contribute to the educational advancement of these bright young minds and
remained committed to supporting their academic journeys and future successes.
The students being honoured, according to her, have demonstrated exceptional dedication, intelligence, and perseverance.
That apart, they have also excelled academically and shown a profound commitment to their personal and professional development.
Their journey in that direction was a testament to their hard work and the support of their families, teachers, and mentors.
“It is with immense pride and admiration that we recognise their achievements and support their continued educational pursuits.”
She continued, “These scholarships are more than financial assistance; they represent our belief in your potential to shape a brighter future. They are an investment in your dreams and aspirations and a recognition of your ability to contribute meaningfully to your communities, the nation, and our world. We hope that this support will empower you to reach new heights, to explore new ideas, and to make a lasting impact in your chosen fields.”
She continued and encouraged the beneficiaries, “As you continue your studies and embark on your professional journeys, remember that you are not alone. You have the backing of a company that values your potential and is excited to see the positive changes you will bring about. We are proud to be a part of your story and look forward to witnessing your continued success.”
The General Manager (GM) of WAPCO, Dr. Isaac Doku, on his part, indicated that as the company marked this significant milestone of the scholarship program, it was important to reflect on a decade of transformative impact.
He said “Over the past ten years, we have been privileged to witness the remarkable journeys of many young individuals whose potential have been nurtured through this initiative. Your dedication, perseverance and academic achievements have not only set you apart but have also inspired us all.”
During this 10-year period, he indicated the company has supported 642 students from our seven host communities in Ghana. Out of this number, 356 were males and 286 were females.
The beneficiary students he mentioned are currently pursuing various programmes in seven universities in Ghana.
Their programmes range from Engineering (Aerospace, Petroleum, Mining, Mechanical, Industrial, Electrical, and Electronic, Geological), Doctor of Optometry, Dietetics, Medicine, and Surgery to Food Science and Technology, amongst others.
Turning his attention to the beneficiaries, he indicated they (beneficiaries) have demonstrated exceptional talent and an unwavering commitment to their education.
To that end, the award was not just a recognition of their past accomplishments but also a vote of confidence in their future, adding, “We believe in your potential to contribute meaningfully to our society, and we are excited to see how you will use this opportunity to further your goals.”
