AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has launched a Community Scholarship Scheme to take care of needy but brilliant students from the mining communities pursuing Engineering related courses at the Obuasi Campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
The Managing Director of AGA, Ing. Samuel Boakye Pobee, while speaking at the launch on Tuesday, noted that the essence of the initiative lies in the company’s belief that investing in human capital is essential for long term growth and transformation.
He stressed that the scholarship scheme was designed not only to support the youth, but also to ensure that they emerge capable leaders and change makers who are equipped to navigate the challenges of tomorrow.
According to the Managing Director, the designers of the Scholarship Scheme took into consideration the ever increasing demands of the job market and the importance of aligning educational opportunities with the skills and knowledge required not only by the mining sector, but the broader extractive industry as well.
“That is why we are proud to support students pursuing studies in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) alongside those studying Technical and Vocational Educational Training (TVET),” he stated.
“Today we celebrate our first cohort of scholarship recipients; 20 talented and brilliant individuals from our host communities, all studying engineering here in Obuasi.
“As you embark on your journey as students, strive for excellence, seek knowledge relentlessly and aim to become leaders in your respective fields”, he told the recipients.
The Vice Chancellor of KNUST, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson responding, thanked AGA for the gesture. She noted that the scholarship would make the recipients achieve their dreams.
“Today’s gathering is not just a ceremony. Indeed it is a celebration of responsible corporate citizenship and shared vision.
“We have come this far and we need to look even further into the future and see what we can achieve together”, she said.
The Vice Chancellor said since the establishment of the Obuasi Campus of KNUST some six years ago, AngloGold had supported the Campus every step of the way and said ‘Ayekoo’ to them.
To the twenty lucky students, she said “you are the first to receive the scholarship, may you not be the last. May it never be said that because you missed this opportunity, someone else cannot have it”.
The leader of the Scholarship Selection Committee, Mr. George Alfred Koomson said over 150 applications were received out of which 20 were picked.
He charged the recipients of the scholarships to excel and come back to help the communities they come from.
Heads of various SHS in the Mines’ catchment area were at the function to grace it.
Also in attendance were chiefs from the Dompoase Division, led by Okofo Kwabena Bonsu, the Dompoasehene, Barimansu Antwi Kwanin II, Fomena Benkumhene, represented the Adansihene and Nana Amonimaa Dede II, the Adansihemaa.
From Frederick Danso Abeam, Obuasi
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