The chief and people of Sekyedumase in Ashanti have instituted a scholarship scheme to cater for the educational needs of brilliant but needy pupils in the area.
This follows the establishment of a ?200 million Education Fund launched last April to mark the installation of the new chief of the town, Nana Antwi Boasiako.
A seven-member Board of Trustees to man the scheme was inaugurated over the weekend.
The Board of Trustees is headed by Col. Anane Brobbey, head of the Legal Directorate of the Ghana Armed Forces.
Other members are Chief Inspector of Police, Mr. Owusu Mensah (secretary), Mrs. Felicia Amponsah, a retired educationist, Mrs. Abena Akuamoah Boateng, Regional Nutrition Officer (Ashanti), Mr. Antwi Frimpong, Regional Co-ordinator of National Service Secretariat.
The rest are Nana Basapon Antwi II, Akwamuhene and Mr. Stephen Anane, chief co-ordinator of the scheme.
Mrs. Amponsah would be in charge of the selection committee of the Board while Mrs. Boateng takes charge of the publicity committee.
Col. Brobbey disclosed at the inauguration that the scheme would cater for 10 JSS students this academic year.
He said though the scheme would concentrate on second cycle education exceptional cases for the tertiary level would be considered.
According to him, scholarships granted could be withdrawn if beneficiaries did not prove to deserve it by academic ability and conduct.
Chairman Brobbey also said the scheme would institute a 'Best Teacher Award' to encourage teachers to give off their best. It will also see to the rehabilitation and maintenance of schools in the area in collaboration with the District Assembly.
Nana Boasiako charged the Trustees to work diligently for the development of the area through education.
He appealed to citizens of Sekyedumase, home and abroad to contribute to the fund to achieve set objectives to higher educational standards.
