'Encourage those investing in the future of our youth' - MP rallies behind Peggy Adamafio

The Member of Parliament for Odododiodio, Alfred Nii Kotey Ashie, has called on individuals and organisations to support initiatives that empower young people through education, urging scholarship beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunities provided to them.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 2025/2026 scholarship beneficiaries of Relief and Aid International in Accra, the MP commended the foundation's Founder and President, Peggy Anna Naa Ayikaley Adamafio, for her commitment to supporting brilliant but needy students.

He praised her decision to work behind the scenes to transform lives rather than seek recognition, stressing the importance of encouraging individuals who voluntarily invest their resources in the development of society.

“Let us stay in the shadows, support them, push them,” he said, emphasising that people with the capacity and willingness to give back to society must be encouraged to continue their efforts.

Ashie urged the 16 newly inducted scholarship beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and ensure that the financial support provided translates into meaningful achievements.

He expressed the hope that Adamafio would eventually look back with pride at the impact of her investment in the students, encouraging the beneficiaries to give her every reason to feel that her contribution had been worthwhile.

The MP also pledged his continued support and encouragement for the foundation, acknowledging the commitment and personal sacrifices involved in sustaining the scholarship initiative.

The ceremony, held at the Omanye Aba Hall on the premises of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, brought together traditional leaders, academics, political representatives and other stakeholders to celebrate the educational opportunities offered by the foundation.

The scholarship programme, spearheaded by Peggy Anna Naa Ayikaley Adamafio, has expanded from its initial three beneficiaries to a total of 63 students, with 16 new beneficiaries inducted for the 2025/2026 academic year.

The beneficiaries are pursuing undergraduate programmes in disciplines including Law, Pharmacy, Agriculture, Business Administration, Communication, Public Relations and International Affairs at the University of Ghana and other institutions.

In her address, Adamafio highlighted the foundation's journey from providing humanitarian assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic to undertaking educational and environmental development projects.

She disclosed that the organisation had supported students with tuition, accommodation and other essential academic expenses, while seven of its beneficiaries had already qualified as nurses and midwives.

She further revealed that the foundation had undertaken seven sustainability and water projects, positively impacting more than 10,000 lives across Ghana.

She expressed appreciation to her husband, friends in Maryland and other benefactors whose contributions had helped sustain the scholarship scheme. She also announced the foundation's ambition to produce more than 200 graduates through its fully funded scholarship programme.

Special Guest Speaker, Togbe Dr Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe, a founding member of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), called on government to support individuals and organisations undertaking initiatives that complement national development efforts.

He observed that such interventions help reduce the financial and social responsibilities of government while creating opportunities for deserving young people.

The event also featured contributions from academics, including Professor Kofi Adesi Kyei, Associate Professor of Radiotherapy and Oncology at the University of Ghana and Chief Radiotherapist at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, who encouraged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously.

He stressed that the ultimate proof of the scholarship programme's success would be the academic achievements and results of the students, particularly as the financial burden of their education had been taken care of.

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