The scholarship, valued at approximately GH¢1.70 million, is being offered through a partnership involving the Paramount Stool, York St. John University in the UK, and the Empire African Institute.

The initiative forms part of efforts to expand educational opportunities for young people in the Wassa Fiase Traditional Area and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to the development of their communities.

Odeneho Akrofa Krukoko III announced the package during the commissioning of a rehabilitated infirmary and nurses’ quarters at Tarkwa Senior High School (TARSCO).

The facility was rehabilitated by the Tarkwa Senior High School Past Students Association (TARPSA), Class of 1986, as its flagship legacy project to commemorate its 40th anniversary.

Addressing the gathering, the chief described education as a critical tool for transforming the lives of young people, particularly in mining communities where natural resources have not always translated into broad-based development.

“In a community surrounded by gold, the true gold is not what is in the ground, but what is in the brain,” he said.

He argued that education would enable young people to move beyond low-skilled labour into professional careers in engineering, geology, medicine, teaching and mining management.

“Education moves you from the pit to the office,” he added, urging young people to prioritise their studies over the pursuit of immediate economic gains.

The chief also highlighted the social benefits of education, saying it could help address challenges such as early marriage, teenage pregnancy, drug abuse and youth idleness in mining communities.

“Wassa Fiase cannot develop if its youth are not educated. We need educated youth to become Assembly Members, Chiefs, Nurses, Teachers and leaders who will bring real development, not just destruction of our land and water bodies,” he said.

Scholarship targets September 2027 intake

Announcing the scholarship package, Odeneho Akrofa Krukoko III said the initiative reflected a commitment to investing in the long-term prosperity of the traditional area through education.

“Our land is rich in natural resources, but the lasting prosperity of our people will depend greatly on the knowledge, skills and character of our children,” he said.

He expressed hope that beneficiaries would approach their studies with discipline, integrity and determination and eventually apply the knowledge and experience gained abroad to support development in Wassa Fiase and Ghana.

The chief further urged students who benefit from the initiative to remain connected to their communities and use their achievements to create opportunities for others.

“My message to the youth of Wassa Fiase is simple: Your books before your shovels. Let us mine our brains before we mine our land. If we fail to educate our youth today, Wassa Fiase will have no future leaders tomorrow,” he said.

He also encouraged students of TARSCO to take their studies seriously, respect their teachers and build positive relationships with their peers.

Using the TARPSA Class of 1986 as an example, he urged the students to recognise the value of maintaining strong connections with their former school and giving back to society.

TARPSA Class of 1986 urged to sustain legacy

Meanwhile, Charles Mochiah, adjudged Overall Best Old Student at the TARPSA Class of 1986 40th anniversary celebration, has appealed to school authorities to create opportunities for former students willing to support the institution’s development.

He said contributions from alumni could make a meaningful difference to the learning environment and welfare of current students, and urged school authorities to welcome such initiatives.

According to him, old students who return to support their former school do so primarily to benefit successive generations of learners.

Mr Mochiah commended the Class of 1986 for undertaking the rehabilitation of the infirmary and nurses’ quarters, describing the project as a significant contribution to the school.

“Today, as we celebrate your 40th Anniversary, you have not only come to celebrate, but you have come to give back. This rehabilitated Infirmary and Nurses’ Quarters is a great gift that will benefit students for many years to come,” he said.

The commissioning of the facility and the announcement of the scholarship package highlighted the role of educational investment and alumni support in improving opportunities for young people and strengthening institutions in the Wassa Fiase area.