On Friday, 20th September 2024, the Students’ Representative Council (SRC) of Kings University College (KUC), led by SRC President, H.E. Ing. Mawuko Elonai Kwame Agbevenu made a notable donation to the Nsawam Medium Security Prison. The donation included essential items such as food, toiletries, drinks, water, etc. which benefited both inmates and Prison Officers.
The visit was aimed to support the rehabilitation of inmates, improve their living conditions, and foster stronger connections between the prison and the broader community. Nsawam Prison, originally designed to accommodate 717 inmates, now houses close to 4,000, creating challenges that necessitate external support. Despite overcrowding, the prison continues to focus on rehabilitation, offering educational and vocational programs to help inmates reintegrate into society after serving their sentences. KUC students observed inmates actively studying through a distance degree program, reflecting the prison’s commitment to education.
During the visit, the SRC President emphasized the importance of societal support for correctional facilities, urging philanthropists and organizations to contribute to improving prison conditions. He highlighted the need for rehabilitation, stressing that prisons should be places of hope and reform, not just confinement.
The donation was not just a material gesture but also a reminder of the shared humanity between inmates and the outside world. The SRC’s act of goodwill fostered dialogue around the role of society in supporting the rehabilitation of offenders. Both prison officials and inmates expressed deep gratitude for the generosity and thoughtfulness shown by KUC students.
Nsawam Medium Security Prison, established in 1960, is a significant institution in Ghana’s criminal justice system. It plays a crucial role in reforming offenders, focusing on providing education, healthcare, and vocational training. The facility’s goal is to help inmates reintegrate into society and reduce recidivism.
The Vice Presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang is expected to pay a courtesy call to the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Friday, September 27, 2024.
In a brief statement, the Campaign Office explained that the call is ahead of the NDC Women’s Conference
“The visit comes ahead of a women’s conference of the NDC scheduled to take place in Kumasi on Monday”, the statement concluded.
The Circuit Court in Accra presided over by His Honour Kwabena Obiri Yeboah has directed the Ghana Police Service to ensure that the protesters who have been remanded into Police Custody are fed twice a day.
This was after the defense lawyers in the separate cases had brought to the attention of the Court the harsh treatment the police were taking the accused person through.
The defense lawyers had consistently made the point that the accused persons have not been fed for days since arrest while those with health conditions have been left to their fate in cells.
Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, who is representing four of the accused persons, made the point that, Oliver Barker-Vormawor collapsed but the police were rather bent on arraigning him in Court instead of ensuring he is taken to hospital to be treated.
Counsel also made a point about Felicity Nelson, another of his clients who has to suffer from asthmatic attacks and a “common inhaler” she could not be supplied.
“Felicity Nelson (A11) started her journey from the Railway Police station on her first night of arrest because of overcrowding. She was moved to Batsonaa Police Cells and from there, last night she was moved to Cantonment Police Station. Only God knows where she will go from here,” Dr Srem-Sai to the Court.
But, the Police through Superintendent Sylvester Asare, the head of Legal and Prosecution of the Ghana Police Service and the supervisor of the investigation team denied the allegations that they were not fed.
He said, he personally supervises their feeding including feeding them with Papaye, a point that saw a reaction from some of the accused persons.
Assistant State Attorney, Nana Akosua Kusi while responding to the defense claims on the health issues, advocated the accused persons to be remanded into prison custody since they have health facilities.
Meanwhile lawyers of the the over 50 Democracy Hub protesters including Leading members of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, Elorm Ababio Esq also known as Ama Governor have indicated they would be appealing the decisions of the Circuit Court to remand their clients.
So far 54 were arrested but 53 have appeared in Court and have been remanded. One other was absent and the court has issued a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
Brief facts
The brief facts of the case as presented to the Court were that, the accused persons are part of a group of protesters.
And that on July 9, 2024, the Police Service received a notice from a group known as ‘Democracy Hub’ informing them of their intention to hold a protest dubbed “#Wetaya #ReoccupyJulorbihouse Demonstration.”
According to the Prosecution, by that letter, the group requested the police to provide them with security and protection for the intended demonstration.
The Prosecution state that, the group indicated that they intended to protest at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee House.
“After several meetings with the Police, the group was advised by the Police to propose an alternative venue as the chosen venue was considered a security zone and likely to affect public order and lead to violence or endanger public defence.
“By an order of the High Court dated 18th September, 2024, the group was prohibited from embarking on the intended demonstration at the Revolutionary square,” the prosecution stated.
It added that, “The Police thus communicated to the convener of the group and suggested 7 different locations to be used for the protest in the interest of public order.”
“The group however rejected the proposed venues and elected to protest at the 37 roundabout which was rejected by the Police.
“On 21st September, 2024 the group embarked on their protest and gathered around the 37-roundabout insisting to proceed to the revolutionary square.
“The Police mounted barricades around the 37 roundabouts in a bid to maintain security and order.
“The barricades restrained the demonstrators from proceeding to the Revolutionary square,” the Prosecution stated.
Serious traffic
It stated that, “The demonstration suddenly turned chaotic as the accused persons resorted to blocking the major roads with stones and vehicles delaying access at the roundabout.
“This caused serious traffic within the Liberation Road, the El walk stadium, the Kawukudi road and its environs.
“This caused significant traffic, delay, inconvenience and annoyance for commuters,” the facts stated.
Billboards
It is the case of the Prosecution that, the accused persons also “pulled down billboards and burnt electoral posters and flags of political parties.”
“Again, the suspects forcefully pushed down the police barricade that was used to secure the area obstructing the effort of the police to maintain peace and security.
“On 22nd September the accused persons again brought in vehicles to block the major roads.
“The police quickly moved in to remove the said vehicles for easy flow of traffic for commuters.
“The accused persons however fiercely resisted the attempt by the Police to tow away the vehicles,” the Prosecution stated.
“The 1st accused person in particular was seen forcefully entering the Police towing van and without authorization, turned off the engine and removed the ignition key to the towing van.
“This action demobilized the Police to tow away the vehicle that the accused persons had used to block the public roads. The 1st accused person thereafter bolted with the key to the Police van,” the prosecution told the Court.
Lawyers of the the over 50 Democracy Hub protesters including Leading members of the Democracy Hub, Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor, Felicity Nelson, and Elorm Ababio Esq also known as Ama Governor have indicated they would be appealing the decisions of the Circuit Court to remand their clients.
So far 54 were arrested but 53 have appeared in Court and have been remanded. One other was absent and the court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.
Prosecution while opposing bail raised the point that, Barker-Vormawor a subject matter of treason felony at the High Court and on bail, has involved himself in another offense and that should he be admitted to bail, he could do more of such act.
While Oliver Barker-Vormawor pleaded not guilty to eight counts including stealing, 11 others including Felicity Nelson denied wrongdoing for six charges.
Fanny Otoo, was absent from Court while one other Benjamin Akuffo Darko, one of the leading members of the protesters was also charged and remanded.
The charges ranges from conspiracy, unlawful assembly, causing unlawful damage, offensive conduct to the breach of peace, defacement of public notice and stealing.
The 12 accused persons who weee arraigned together with Oliver Mawuse Barker-Vormawor (A1) are Cedric Bansah (A2), Michael Amofa (A3), Emmanuel Ofei, (A4), Nii Ayi , (A5), Fred Boateng, (A6), and Deportee Iddrisu Yusif (A7).
The rest are – Wendele (A8), Fanny Otoo (A9), absent, Samuel Samakor, (A10), Felicity Nelson, (A11), Nana Amoh Mensah Prempeh (A12) and Thomas Yeboah (A13).
His Honour Mr Kwabena Obiri Yeboah while declining bail directed the Police to ensure that the accused persons are fed twice, daily and have proper health care.
The Court has also directed the Prosecution to file their disclosures and necessary processes before the next Court.
Brief facts
The brief facts of the case as presented to the Court were that, the accused persons are part of a group of protesters.
And that on July 9, 2024, the Police Service received a notice from a group known as ‘Democracy Hub’ informing them of their intention to hold a protest dubbed “#Wetaya #ReoccupyJulorbihouse Demonstration.”
According to the Prosecution, by that letter, the group requested the police to provide them with security and protection for the intended demonstration.
The Prosecution state that, the group indicated that they intended to protest at the Revolutionary Square, opposite the Jubilee House.
“After several meetings with the Police, the group was advised by the Police to propose an alternative venue as the chosen venue was considered a security zone and likely to affect public order and lead to violence or endanger public defence.
“By an order of the High Court dated 18th September, 2024, the group was prohibited from embarking on the intended demonstration at the Revolutionary square,” the prosecution stated.
It added that, “The Police thus communicated to the convener of the group and suggested 7 different locations to be used for the protest in the interest of public order.”
“The group however rejected the proposed venues and elected to protest at the 37 roundabout which was rejected by the Police.
“On 21st September, 2024 the group embarked on their protest and gathered around the 37-roundabout insisting to proceed to the revolutionary square.
“The Police mounted barricades around the 37 roundabouts in a bid to maintain security and order.
“The barricades restrained the demonstrators from proceeding to the Revolutionary square,” the Prosecution stated.
Serious traffic
It stated that, “The demonstration suddenly turned chaotic as the accused persons resorted to blocking the major roads with stones and vehicles delaying access at the roundabout.
“This caused serious traffic within the Liberation Road, the El walk stadium, the Kawukudi road and its environs.
“This caused significant traffic, delay, inconvenience and annoyance for commuters,” the facts stated.
Billboards
It is the case of the Prosecution that, the accused persons also “pulled down billboards and burnt electoral posters and flags of political parties.”
“Again, the suspects forcefully pushed down the police barricade that was used to secure the area obstructing the effort of the police to maintain peace and security.
“On 22nd September the accused persons again brought in vehicles to block the major roads.
“The police quickly moved in to remove the said vehicles for easy flow of traffic for commuters.
“The accused persons however fiercely resisted the attempt by the Police to tow away the vehicles,” the Prosecution stated.
“The 1st accused person in particular was seen forcefully entering the Police towing van and without authorization, turned off the engine and removed the ignition key to the towing van.
“This action demobilized the Police to tow away the vehicle that the accused persons had used to block the public roads. The 1st accused person thereafter bolted with the key to the Police van,” the prosecution told the Court.
The first time I heard Mensa’s “Time of Your Life” at an intimate listening session, I was completely captivated. From the very first note, I felt a rush of emotions I hadn’t expected. As the song played, I caught myself whispering under my breath, “This is it. This is the proposal song I’ve been waiting for.” The melody, the lyrics—it was as if every line was crafted for me, speaking directly to my heart and the love I have for the woman of my dreams.
When Mensa performed it again at the Beer Garden, I was determined not to let the moment slip away. I pulled out my phone and recorded the entire performance, needing to preserve the magic I had felt the first time. After the show, I approached Mensa, shook his hand, and joked, “If you don’t release this song soon, you’ll be delaying my proposal!” He smiled and replied, “Don’t worry, I’ll master it perfectly and release it soon.”
And now, the song is finally out. After all this time, I’m ready—ready to propose to the woman who has captured my heart. “Time of Your Life” is more than just a song; it’s a message that sums up everything I’ve ever wanted to say to her. The way it tugged at my heartstrings, the way it perfectly encapsulated all the emotions I’ve struggled to put into words—it felt like the universe was giving me the final push I needed.
Here’s the thing: I’ve never been an over thinker. In most areas of my life, when I feel something, I dive right in. I don’t hesitate; I follow my instincts. But when it comes to matters of the heart, I’ve been different. Personal experiences—heartbreaks, missed opportunities, the fear of getting it wrong—have made me slow down. I’ve learned to be cautious, to the point of procrastination. Where I used to rush in, now I hesitate. Months have turned into years, and here I am, still waiting, still holding back, still afraid to take that final leap. I’m like the tortoise, inching along, hoping I’ll eventually get there.
But Mensa’s song—it feels like he’s speaking to me, urging me to stop waiting, to stop overthinking. It’s as if he’s saying, “This is your moment. Don’t waste it. Take the chance. Make the move.” And for the first time in a long time, I feel ready to listen. The song has given me the courage to stop hesitating, to finally take that step forward. It’s not just a song anymore; it’s become the soundtrack to the moment I’ve been waiting for—the moment I finally propose to the love of my life.
“Time of Your Life” is an Afrobeat masterpiece that fits seamlessly into almost any setting. It’s upbeat, vibrant, and versatile—a song that feels just as perfect in a bustling coffee shop as it would at a wedding. The energy is infectious, yet somehow, it creates an intimate space. It’s the kind of song that makes you want to grab the love of your life, hold her close, and look into her eyes while you promise to give her the time of her life.
Honestly, I can’t believe how this song has me swooning like a lovestruck fool. The bassline thumps in perfect sync with your heartbeat, as if the song is alive and breathing with you. And that flute interlude? Absolutely breathtaking. It’s like a soft breeze that sweeps through the room, lifting the spirit, leaving you in awe. Every detail—the beats, the melodies, the instruments—has been arranged to create a perfect blend of passion and joy, turning “Time of Your Life” into an experience that stays with you long after the last note fades. Thank you, Mensa! Now I am waiting for the third single off the FOLAH (Fear of Love and Happiness) EP. Mensa has announced on his social media pages that the song will be available on September 27. I hope to hear this song on every radio station and Tiktok pages.
The Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) at Koforidua Technical University (KTU) has joined the industrial action which commenced on Thursday, September 27, 2024.
This action aligns with a nationwide strike declared by TUSAAG in response to the government’s failure to honor commitments under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), including the implementation of revised allowances for senior members of public universities.
In a formal notice addressed to the Vice-Chancellor of KTU, the leadership of TUSAAG-KTU, led by Vice-Chairman Emmanuel Opoku Debrah and Secretary Sylvia Pimpong, confirmed the branch’s full participation in the strike.
“The Technical University Senior Administrators Association of Ghana (TUSAAG) has declared a nationwide strike action effective tomorrow, 27th September, 2024 in response to the Government’s disregard for obligations under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) and failure to implement revised allowances for senior members of public universities of which Koforidua Technical University is of no exemption” the notice stated.
The notice further said the strike would continue indefinitely until further directives are given.
“We wish to serve Management this notice that TUSAAG- KTU Chapter members are in full support of the nationwide strike and will observe accordingly till further notice”.
The strike affects senior administrative staff across the country’s technical universities, with TUSAAG expressing frustration over the government’s neglect of obligations that impact the welfare of senior university members.
The leadership of the KTU chapter urged management to take note of the action and attached the nationwide declaration of the strike for further consideration.
This strike follows ongoing calls for the government to resolve outstanding issues related to compensation and working conditions for senior administrative staff in technical universities across Ghana.
According to the Association, it has “exhausted all options for discussion. The continued inaction is not only unacceptable but also a clear breach of the CBA.”
The strike action will negatively impact administrative work of the Technical Universities.
The Ghana Police Service has clarified that the claim that one of the suspects arrested during the Democracy Hub protest is pregnant is false.
In a statement issued by the Police administration, they explained that two different tests conducted on alleged pregnant woman, Gloria Vera Louise came out negative.
“In the case of the alleged pregnant woman, Gloria Vera Louise, We would like to clarify that at the time of the arrest, there was no visible indication that she was pregnant. Additionally, at no point during the arrest or subsequent interactions did the said suspect inform the Police of a pregnancy. Again, there was no communication to the court of any such condition, either by herself or through her lawyers.
“In order to establish the veracity or otherwise of the claim in the public domain of the alleged pregnancy, the Police took the initiative and sent her to the Police Hospital and an independent health facility for a thorough medical examination. Both medical results came out negative, suggesting that Gloria Vera Louise, is not pregnant as claimed”, the Police explained
It continued: “As part of our efforts to be transparent, and maintain high ethical and professional standards, the Police Administration has directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB, formerly PIPS) to investigate the circumstances under which two of the suspects were kept in Police custody beyond 48 hours without being sent to court, for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against those responsible.”
Below is the full statement
POLICE UPDATE SEVEN (7) ON DEMONSTRATION BY DEMOCRACY HUB
1. As the public may recall, the Police, on 9th July 2024, received a notice from the Democracy Hub, of their intention to hold a protest from 21st to 23rd September 2024, at the Revolutionary Square in front of the Jubilee House.
2. On receipt of the notice from the group, the Police engaged the conveners and agreed with them on the chosen date of the demonstration but advised them to change their chosen venue, the Revolutionary Square, which was considered a security zone and likely to affect public defence, public order, public safety, public health and the running of essential services.
3. However, the organizers refused to consider an alternative location and insisted on picketing at the Revolutionary Square. The Police were, therefore, compelled to take the matter to the court for a determination as to the venue. For purposes of emphasis, the Police were not in court to prevent them from demonstrating on the stated dates.
4. The High Court, on 18th September 2024, granted an order to prohibit Democracy Hub from using the Revolutionary Square as the venue for their intended demonstration.
5. The Police subsequently met with the organizers and urged them to accept seven venues proposed by the Police. Unfortunately, despite Police efforts to facilitate their constitutional right to demonstrate, the organizers remained adamant and insisted that they would disobey the order of the courts and picket at the Revolutionary Square in front of the Jubilee House.
6. On 21st September 2024, the demonstrators unlawfully assembled at the 37 Intersection and engaged in the following acts, among others, which caused extreme inconvenience to the general public, particularly the motoring public.
• Blocking the intersection in all directions with vehicles, stones and logs, causing massive vehicular traffic across the City
• Setting fire in the Intersection
• Harassing and attacking road users including Military and Police officers
• Abusing Police and Military officers
• Banging on vehicles
• Playing football in the road and
• Causing unlawful damage
7. These unGhanaian, uncivil and unlawful acts of the demonstrators caused extreme inconvenience to commuters who were caught in traffic for several hours. Persons in need of medical care had difficulty reaching the medical facilities, and families visiting their loved ones who were on admission at the hospital had difficulty getting to them with essential supplies. Also, there were delays in people attending social and cultural activities such as funerals which define us as a people, and there was a negative impact on commercial activities including people missing their flights and others not being able to access their businesses.
8. Following an assessment of the situation at the end of the first day, the Police cautioned the organizers that the Police would not allow them to demonstrate at the 37 Intersection. Instead, they should move to one of the seven locations suggested by the Police, where security would be provided.
9. The demonstrators disregarded the caution by the Police and unlawfully assembled once again at the 37 Intersection the following day, and began to repeat their previous day actions.
10. While the Police were professionally and persuasively engaging the demonstrators to leave the street and restore normal traffic flow, the demonstrators attacked the Police. One of them entered a Police vehicle, removed the ignition key, and fled with it, while others threw Police crash barriers at the Police officers, among others. The Police had no option but to arrest them.
11. In the midst of all these provocations, the Police did not use any force against anyone.
12. In all, 54 persons were arrested and all of them have been put before the court in line with the due process of the law.
13. The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Attorney-General.
14. Following the arrests, the attention of the Ghana Police Service has been drawn to reports suggesting that a 12-year-old child, a 68-year-old woman, and a pregnant woman were among those arrested and detained. We would like to categorically state that all these are false. We, therefore, urge the public to disregard these reports and treat them with the contempt they deserve.
15. In the case of the 12-year-old child and the 68-year-old woman, in the course of the arrest, Police realized that one of the suspects, Grace Asantewaa, a 50-year-old woman, who is being reported as a 68-year-old, had a child with her. In order not to separate the child from the woman, the child was allowed to accompany her to the Police Station.
16. At the Police Station, Police provided the child with food and for the sake of the child, her guardian, Grace Asantewaa, was granted a Police enquiry bail and allowed to go home with the child.
17. The Ghana Police Service has charged Grace Asantewaa with the offence of exposing a child to danger, by bringing her to the demonstration grounds, contrary to section 71 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
18. We would like to use this opportunity to advise members of the public to be mindful of involving our beloved children in activities that have the potential to expose them to danger.
19. In the case of the alleged pregnant woman, Gloria Vera Louise, We would like to clarify that at the time of the arrest, there was no visible indication that she was pregnant. Additionally, at no point during the arrest or subsequent interactions did the said suspect inform the Police of a pregnancy. Again, there was no communication to the court of any such condition, either by herself or through her lawyers.
20. In order to establish the veracity or otherwise of the claim in the public domain of the alleged pregnancy, the Police took the initiative and sent her to the Police Hospital and an independent health facility for a thorough medical examination. Both medical results came out negative, suggesting that Gloria Vera Louise, is not pregnant as claimed.
21. As part of our efforts to be transparent, and maintain high ethical and professional standards, the Police Administration has directed the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB, formerly PIPS) to investigate the circumstances under which two of the suspects were kept in Police custody beyond 48 hours without being sent to court, for necessary disciplinary action to be taken against those responsible.
22. We would like to once again assure the public that the Police remain committed to nurturing our growing democratic freedoms by providing the necessary security for individuals and groups to exercise their constitutional right to protest safely and peacefully in accordance with the laws governing protests in our beloved country.
Former President John Dramani Mahama has criticized the treatment of Democracy Hub protesters by law enforcement, labeling it an excessive action that undermines the rights of citizens.
Addressing the decision to remand the protesters for two weeks, he voiced his concern over what he described as the “high-handedness” of the authorities.
“We must balance our need to maintain law and order with protecting the rights and freedoms of our citizens,” he emphasized.
He also underscored the importance of peaceful demonstrations, particularly among the youth, who are advocating for vital issues like environmental preservation. “The youth of Ghana have a right to engage in manifestations to protect their future, especially in respect of key issues like the destruction of the environment through illegal mining.”
He argued that holding the protesters without bail for such a lengthy period is a violation of their civil rights. He further noted that these “draconian judicial decisions” will not deter the youth from expressing their concerns.
In his appeal, he called on the authorities to take immediate action. “The authorities must request the judge to review the remand decision and grant them bail immediately”, Mr. Mahama urged, stressing that the justice system should prioritize citizens’ rights while maintaining law and order.
Latest polls on the likely winner of the 2024 Presidential Election conducted by Outcomes International have shown Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), will emerge with the highest percentage of votes, with the presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, following closely.
The polls show that Dr Bawumia will garner 49.4% of the votes while John Mahama will obtain 45.1% of the votes. Less than 1 percent (0.3%) of the votes will be shared amongst the other presidential candidates while 5.2% of votes are still undecided.
The research was conducted between August and September this year and interviewed thousands of registered voters across all the regions of the country.
“Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will win in 11 out of 16 regions while Mr. Mahama wins in 5 regions. The overall findings show a very close contest between Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (49.4%) and Mr. Mahama (45.1%). However, 5.2% of the respondents were undecided while 0.3% of the respondents said they would vote for other candidates,” the report said.
The December 2024 Presidential Election is a two-horse race between former President John Mahama and Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. Various credible polls have at different times put one ahead of the other. The latest one says Dr Mahamudu Bawumia has a slight edge over John Mahama who since 2016 after his defeat, has been unsuccessful in the 2020 polls to return to power.
It was emotional at the law faculty auditorium of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) where MTN Ghana Ltd. Awarded full scholarships to a hundred extremely brilliant but deprived students under the company’s MTN Bright Scholarships Initiative.
These students twenty of whom are Persons With Disabilities have had to joggle studies with strenuous, discomforting and unusual hustles to find money to pay school fees and fend for themselves.
Despite these daunting challenges which drove some applicants to tears, they are pushing the odds and making the good grades in their various courses of study.
Rosina Fosuaa Acheampong, a level 300 student offering land Economy at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology narrated how she has had to sell and operate a mobile money joint to raise her school fees with nothing left to afford a place of accommodation on campus.
“life has not been easy. Last year I came to school without a place to sleep. After perching with friends for a while, I had to move out because their hostel managers were not happy,” she recounted.
Paulinus Nzo an orphan and a visually impaired student of the Wesley College of Education, expressed gratitude to the MTN Foundation for coming to his aid.
“I was facing a lot of financial constraints but this scholarship is a motivation for me to be determined to forge ahead for a better future,” he commended.
The beneficiaries are part of the final 200 lucky awardees selected for the 2024 MTN Bright Scholarships which saw over a thousand five hundred applicants present their cases before a rigorous and thorough interview panel.
MTN GHANA FOUNDATION
Addressing the awards ceremony, Senior Manager of MTN Ghana Foundation Robert Kuzo expressed worry that twenty to thirty percent of tertiary students who failed to complete their programs drop out as a result of financial difficulties.
He pointed out, “According to the Institute of Statistical Social and Economic Research ISSER; financial difficulty is one of the top reasons why tertiary students in Ghana drop out of schools. Up to 30% of students who fail to complete their programs cite financial constraints,” he cited.
Five hundred and twenty (520) students have benefitted from the MTN Bright Scholarships since it was initiated in the year 2018, to relieve the burden of brilliant but needy students
The scholarship covers full tuition, a stipend for academic expenses, accommodation and a laptop computer for each beneficiary.
Robert Kuzoe underscored the important role education plays in closing the poverty gap and implored other corporate bodies to draw inspiration from the Bright Scholarship Scheme, to support the teaming youth struggling to make it through institutions of higher learning.
“MTN Ghana Foundation continues to invest in education because we share in the believe that educating the people in the communities we operate in, can help close the poverty gap in our own country and also improve livelihoods and help accelerate our quest towards development.”
“In our rapidly evolving world, one of the most effective and sustainable ways to combat poverty is education. Education has the power to open doors and break down the barriers that keep people trapped in circles of poverty,” he added.
Congratulating the awardees, the Acting Commercial Manager of MTN Northern Business, Simon Amoh reiterated the key areas of education, health and economic empowerment that underpins MTN Ghana’s corporate social investments.
He insisted that the telecommunications giant is dedicated to improving livelihoods as it continues to introduce life transforming and impactful initiatives in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Government Remarks
In an address read on his behalf, the Ashanti Regional Minister Simon Osei Mensa commended MTN Ghana for its unwavering commitment towards investing in social intervention programs.
“MTN is not only demonstrating that it is a leader in telecommunications but also a champion of education, youth development and national progress. The challenges we face as a nation in education, healthcare and infrastructure, require collective effort and when the private sector joins with government, we can achieve great things for our country,” he noted.
Diversity and Inclusion
The selection of the 200 scholarship beneficiaries was underpinned by a fair representation of all universities across the sixteen regions of Ghana
The criteria for ensuring gender equity and social inclusion of the differently abled, further reflected MTN Ghana’s values of inclusivity and diversity
The students cut across various disciplines including the Sciences, ICT, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, and the Humanities.
Apart from the interventions, the students will be kept on a program where counsellors will monitor and offer assistance to the students to help them concentrate on their studies while building a good career profile to transition into the real world of work.
