Builsa South District Gives Scholarship To 49 Students

Forty-nine students from the Builsa South District Assembly of the Upper East Region have been given various scholarship packages to enable them pursue academic programs at the tertiary level.

The scholarship packages costing over GHC60,000 were presented to beneficiaries, who qualified after a rigorous interview, to help cushion the financial burden that comes with getting tertiary education.

At a short ceremony in Fumbisi, organized by the Builsa South District Assembly, to present the scholarship letters to the students, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Daniel Kwame Gariba, reiterated the commitment of President Akufo Addo and his government to bring education in the district the much-needed improvement.

He said the scholarship scheme falls in line with the directive of President Akufo Addo to have it decentralized to eliminate “connections and links to the secretariat” to ensure Ghanaians from all walks of lives, irrespective of their backgrounds get access and benefit from the scheme.

“Over the years, we’ve noticed that it is only those who can travel to Accra and get to the head office of the scholarship secretariat or have strong people at the scholarship secretariat or in high places, are able to get connections and get the scholarships. But the NPP government led by his excellency Nana Akufo Addo in his wisdom, thought it proper and nice to decentralize the scholarship to the district level. This is the first time in the history of our country that students in tertiary institutions are given the opportunity to apply at the district level,” he touted.

Noting the importance and the significant role education plays in the development process of the district, Mr. Gariba stated the assurance of the Assembly to secure scholarship for all those who applied.

He urged the students to be good ambassadors and to at all times, through their actions, propagate the good name of the district.

The DCE stated that the Assembly would commit itself to the promotion and growth of education and use it [education] to trigger the desired development in the district.

“Next year, we’ll increase the amount that has been allocated so we can absorb more of you and the fees”. He assured.

Mr. Gariba reminded the students and parents to ensure they do not pay for what has already been taken care of by government, with a call on the students to “go for the monies that you’ve already paid to your schools”.

He encouraged them to put seriousness in their studies and remember to return with the acquired knowledge to help their communities.

Gloria Awen, a beneficiary and student of the Navrongo Community Health Nurses Training College (CHNTC) expressed appreciation to President Akufo Addo for decentralizing the scheme and making it accessible to all, especially student from the rural areas.

She said the scholarship is a timely financial assistance and would support her settle her fees and attend to other urgent needs.

Describing the scholarship scheme as a relief, Miss Awen indicated her preparedness to give her studies all the attention in order to utilize the opportunity given her.

She said she would return after her training to render service to improve health care delivery in the district.

By: Senyalah Castro