Chirano Foundation supports 33 students

The Chirano Sefwiman Foundation has graduated its first batch of scholarship beneficiaries. 

The ceremony saw 33 young men and women including doctors, engineers, nurses, pharmacists and teachers completing their tertiary education under the foundation’s scholarship scheme. 

Established in 2021, the Chirano Sefwiman Foundation was set up to provide educational support to brilliant underprivileged students from the Asante Gold Chirano Ltd’s 20 catchment communities. 

The scholarship, which was birthed through the collaborative efforts of the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and traditional authorities, has so far enrolled 107 students, with the 32 graduates representing the first batch to complete their studies.

Addressing the ceremony, the Chairman of the Board of Governors of the foundation, Dindiok Chialin, expressed his delight at the high number of students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) courses, which constitute over 80 per cent of the graduates — a strategic focus of the foundation to promote skills that are critical to community and national development. 

He commended the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and the traditional leaders for making education one of the pillars of the foundation despite several competing priorities and acknowledged the Asante Gold Chirano Limited for its commitment to the foundation, noting that $1 from every ounce of gold produced by the company is set aside to support the foundation, while the company also absorbs all administrative costs to ensure that every cedi contributed directly supports beneficiaries.

Pioneers 

The General Manager of the Asante Gold Chirano Limited, Stephen Asante Yamoah, also expressed pride in the achievements of the graduates, describing them as “pioneers and ambassadors of a brighter future for the Chirano communities.” 

He said the company had invested GH¢750,000 in the education of the graduates, covering full or partial tuition and accommodation. 

He urged them to give back to their communities, reminding them that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Kyidomhene of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, Nana Eluo Panyin commended the Asante Gold Chirano Limited for its significant contributions to the community through the foundation. 

He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge they had acquired to solve societal problems and participate in decision-making processes within their communities. He reminded them that much was expected of them, having benefited from the community’s collective sacrifices. 

"As you step into the next phase of your lives, always analyse issues critically before concluding. Learn to distinguish between what is genuine and what is false," Nana Eluo advised.

On behalf of the graduates, Dr Lily Bosompem Nkansah expressed profound gratitude to the foundation, the company and their families for their immense support. 

She pledged that the graduates would uphold the values of hard work, integrity and service to their communities.