The Volta River Authority (VRA) has awarded scholarships to 60 brilliant but needy tertiary students from its operational communities, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable community development and education.

The VRA has committed GH₵1 million to cover tuition and stipends for the 60 students, who are enrolled across public tertiary institutions and studying programmes ranging from sciences to the humanities.

The meritorious honours were presented at a ceremony held at the VRA’s Engineering Academy in Akuse under the theme: “From classroom to communities: Investing in tomorrow’s leaders.”

In his address, the Chief Executive (CE) of VRA, Edward Obeng-Kenzo, stated that the initiative is a core part of the Authority’s Community Development Programme (CDP), which is aligned with its motto to add value to lives.

“We believe that when we empower people from the communities, we operate to gain the needed expertise required to work with VRA, which is in their own communities, they will help to sustain the company for generations to come. So, VRA has decided to take up the financial responsibility, so students have to invest all efforts in studies to make us proud and also open similar opportunities for others in the communities they come from,” he said.

The CEO outlined the long history and impact of the scheme, noting that since 2011, the CDP scholarship scheme has supported 445 students from communities in the Akosombo, Akuse, Kpone, Tema and Aboadze areas.

With the current cohort of 60 beneficiaries, the total number of students supported now stands at 505.

“The true measure of our success lies in the inspiring journeys and achievements of those we have supported over the years. Last year, 33 beneficiaries graduated, with 12 achieving first class honours and 21 securing second class honours,” Mr. Obeng-Kenzo noted.

The Chairman of the occasion, Togbe Korsi Nego VI, Manklalo of Mepe and Acting President of the Mepe Traditional Area, commended the VRA for exemplifying true corporate social responsibility (CSR) beyond talk and media show off.

He added that the scholarship has significantly contributed to youth development in the VRA catchment areas and urged the authority to continue the programme.

“You are the leaders Ghana will rely on in the future, therefore use this opportunity wisely to uplift yourself and be fully equipped with the right skills to champion innovation and transformation,” he advised the beneficiaries.

A representative of the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), Prof. Ernest Kofi Davis, Benjamin Nai, emphasised the appropriateness of the event’s theme, urging the students to be disciplined, commit to their studies, and develop strong work ethics to effectively contribute to societal transformation.

Dr. Theodore Amegashie, representing the programme’s alumni association, shared his personal experience as a past beneficiary. “Having been in your shoes before as a brilliant but needy student, I can relate to how challenging it is... Thanks to the VRA, that burden is now lifted and you have no excuse not to do well,” he said, encouraging the new cohort to give their best.

Awulae Attibrukusu III, Paramount Chief of Axim and VRA Board member, reminded students to remember their roots and to value the investment being made in their education. He warned that the scholarships are merit-based and contingent on satisfactory academic performance:

“We will look for you in your schools and ensure you perform well, because if you don’t, we will remove the support. It's in the agreement form that the scholarship is performance merit, so if you do not deliver, then you don’t deserve continued support,” he emphasised.

VRA Board Member and Governance Champion of the Authority, Wonder Victor Kutor, Esq., emphasised that education is the bedrock of development and the initiative by VRA to support talent development, especially in communities affected by the Akosombo dam spillage, is a commendable action that will relieve parents of their financial burden and give the students hope for the future.

“I am from Fuveme, and that is a community where people's livelihoods have been badly destroyed, and so, for a student from such a community to get a scholarship is well well-targeted initiative that cannot be overemphasized. I am happy for them and hope they won't disappoint the Authority by learning hard to graduate with good grades and come back to work at VRA to develop these communities,” he said.

The VRA’s CDP Scholarship Scheme is designed to provide equal opportunities for higher education and is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal four (SDG 4) on Quality Education. To improve efficiency and accessibility, the Authority has also launched an online application system to streamline the process for future applicants.

The event was graced with the presence of several traditional rulers and municipal chief executives from the various districts and municipalities within the VRA’s catchment area.