20 students awarded over GH?151,000 in maiden AGA Community Scholarship Scheme

By Elizabeth PUNSU, Obuasi

AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has marked a major milestone in its community development agenda with the launch of the maiden AGA Community Scholarship Scheme, awarding more than GH?151,745 in scholarships to 20 brilliant but financially challenged students from its host communities.

Each of the 20 students received GH?30,420 covering tuition, accommodation and the cost of a laptop. The scholarships were presented to the first cohort of beneficiaries, all Engineering students at the KNUST–Obuasi Campus.

Speaking at a durbar of chiefs and parents of scholarship recipients, Managing Director, AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine, Ing Samuel Pobee, said the initiative forms a critical part of the mine’s 10-year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP), designed to build resilient, self-sustaining communities through improved access to quality education.

Ing. Pobee explained that the scholarship aligns with AGA’s broader commitment to empowering host communities through human capital development.

“Education is a critical driver of sustainable development. This scholarship scheme will serve as an enabler for social mobility, economic empowerment and overall community resilience,” he said.

He noted that the design of the scholarship took into account labour market trends, especially the rising demand for Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education Training (TVET).
“When you look at job opportunities in Obuasi, about 90 percent sits in STEM or TVET-related fields. That is why we have deliberately targeted these programmes,” he said.

The MD also highlighted the mine’s ongoing academic guidance and mentorship programmes under the Employee Volunteer Programme, where AGA staff periodically visit schools to motivate and support students.

Ing. Pobee said the scheme reflects AGA’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
“We are happy to have strong female representation among the beneficiaries and the inclusion of persons with disabilities. This demonstrates our commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all,” he added.

Ing. Pobee urged the beneficiary students to embrace the opportunity with diligence and a commitment to excellence.

“Education requires hard work, resilience and continuous learning. Use this scholarship as a stepping stone, but remember it also comes with a responsibility to contribute meaningfully to your communities and country,” he advised.

Chairman of the Scholarship Committee, George Alfred Koomson, said the scheme exemplifies AGA’s dedication to empowering youth through education and skills development.

He disclosed that the 12-member committee, made up of representatives from AGA, KNUST, GES, traditional authorities, the Obuasi and Obuasi East Municipal Assemblies, the National Youth Authority and presiding members of the two assemblies, received 154 applications for the maiden scheme.

“After careful and rigorous evaluation processes based on academic merit, financial need and community commitment, 20 candidates were selected,” he said.

Mr. Koomson praised the diversity of the cohort, noting that beneficiaries come from varied backgrounds and are pursuing Engineering disciplines critical to the mining and extractive industry.

The AGA Community Scholarship Scheme forms part of AGA Obuasi Mine’s renewed commitment to advancing education, promoting skills development and securing a sustainable future for its host communities.

Vice Chancellor (VC) of KNUST, Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson, commended AGA for the initiative and acknowledged the instrumental role the company has played in establishing the Obuasi Campus to advance the university’s mandate.
She urged the beneficiary students to demonstrate their appreciation by studying diligently and attaining good grades, which she said would motivate the mine to sustain and expand such interventions.

The post 20 students awarded over GH?151,000 in maiden AGA Community Scholarship Scheme appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.

Read Full Story