On 21st December 2024, the Upper West Regional Chief Imam issued cheques totaling GHC 120,608.82 to 47 tertiary students from across the region. This generous gesture, made through his Educational Endowment Fund, is aimed at facilitating the education of brilliant but underprivileged students.
This marks the third cohort of beneficiaries of the Upper West Regional Chief Imam Educational Endowment Fund, which has been providing much-needed scholarships to students since its inception.
Background of the Educational Endowment Fund
The Fund, which was officially inaugurated on October 13, 2022, at the Wa Technical Institute, aims to offer scholarship opportunities to brilliant but underprivileged students within the region and beyond. The initiative’s goal is to support at least 50 students annually across various educational levels, helping them pursue their academic dreams despite financial challenges.
According to the Fund’s Board Secretary, Mr. Moomin Saeed, the initiative has already made a significant impact. The Fund has successfully sponsored 16 students in the 2022/2023 academic year and 27 students in the 2023/2024 academic year. These students are now pursuing diverse programs at various tertiary institutions across Ghana.
Third Cohort of Beneficiaries
The third application window for the Educational Endowment Fund was officially opened during the second annual conference of the Fund, held on 26th October 2024 at the Upper West Regional Library. Out of the 63 shortlisted applicants, 60 students appeared for face-to-face interviews before the Member Evaluation and Assessment Committee. After careful consideration of the interview results, 47 students were selected as the third cohort of beneficiaries for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Increased Inclusivity and Unity Across Communities
One of the most notable developments this year is the increase in the number of Christian beneficiaries, which has risen from 2 to 6. This reflects the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity, compassion, and equity, transcending religious boundaries and fostering unity within the Upper West Region.
The beneficiaries of the Fund come from a diverse range of communities, including:
- Limanyiri
- Tagrayiri
- Sokpayiri
- Dobile
- Tamarimuni
- Dondoli
- Watarayiri
- Kabanye
- Busa
- Mangu
- Kpongu
- Waale Sombo
- Damango
- Nyoli
- Lambussie
- Zongo
- Nandom
- Kulkpong
- Babile
- Lawra Domwini
- Jonga
- Biihee
- Dorimon
- Yibile
- Jengbeyiri
- Hain
- Ullo
- Kperisi
These communities represent a broad spectrum of the Upper West Region, and the Fund’s impact is being felt in both urban and rural areas.
Looking Ahead: Continued Support for Future Generations
The Upper West Regional Chief Imam’s Educational Endowment Fund is setting a strong example of how community-driven initiatives can empower young people and contribute to the educational development of a region. As more students benefit from this Fund, the future of the Upper West Region looks brighter, with a growing number of educated, empowered, and socially responsible individuals poised to make a difference in their communities.
