Dunkwa: One hundred and seventy-two youths from communities within the operational areas of Perseus Mining Ghana Limited (PMGL) have benefited from scholarships amounting to GHS278,279 under the Edikan Trust Fund as part of the company's corporate social responsibility.
According to Ghana News Agency, the beneficiaries received bursaries to support their educational pursuits in various tertiary institutions. The event brought together traditional authorities, community leaders, parents, students, and officials of Perseus Mining Ghana Limited. This year's scholarship allocation represents an increase of GHS68,279 over the previous year's expenditure, underscoring the company's growing commitment towards education and human capital development in its host communities.
Mr. Alexander Oduro, the General Manager of Perseus Mining, stated at the ceremony that at the heart of every thriving community was the power of knowledge, noting that education equips individuals with tools to improve their lives and contribute meaningfully to society. Mr. Oduro assured the people that the company would not relent in its efforts to empower host communities through education and urged the beneficiaries to work hard to justify the confidence reposed in them.
Ehunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, the Board Chairman of PMGL, described education as a powerful instrument for social transformation. He emphasized that education gives young people the opportunity and skills to dream beyond their circumstances and strengthens the pillars of society by nurturing thinkers, innovators, and responsible citizens, while creating communities that are self-reliant and capable of turning challenges into opportunities. He stated that this conviction had informed the company's consistent support for the scholarship programme through the Edikan Trust Fund over the past five years.
Nana Agyensaim, the Paramount Chief of Owirenkyi Traditional Area, disclosed that Perseus Mining had contributed more than GHS28 million towards development projects, including scholarships in its catchment communities since the inception of the Edikan Trust Fund. The Chairman of the Edikan Trust Fund, Akwasi Gyima Botah, indicated that the Fund was established as a development vehicle to improve the socio-economic well-being of communities within the company's operational areas. The fund supported projects in education, health, water and sanitation, livelihood empowerment, and infrastructure development.
He explained that the flagship component of the fund was the Edikan Scholarship Scheme, which provided financial assistance to deserving but needy students at the tertiary level. Over the years, hundreds of youths had benefited from the programme, many of whom had gone on to complete their education and were now giving back to their communities. Through initiatives such as the Edikan Scholarship, Perseus Mining Ghana Limited continues to position education as a cornerstone for sustainable development in Ghana's mining communities.
Some of the beneficiaries could not hide their joy, as they expressed appreciation for the gesture. They promised to do everything within their means to ensure the investment in their education yielded positive dividends.