The Chirano Sefwiman Foundation (CSF) and Asante Gold Chirano Limited continue to champion educational empowerment and community development with the successful hosting of the 5th Scholarship Awards Ceremony.

The ceremony celebrated the achievements of 31 outstanding students from the mine’s 20 catchment communities who have been awarded scholarships to pursue tertiary education.

The event brought together traditional leaders, management of Asante Gold Chirano Limited, government officials, parents, and beneficiaries in a show of unity and pride.

Municipal Chief Executive for Sefwi Wiawso, Dominic Gyasi, commended Asante Gold Chirano Limited and the Chirano Sefwiman Foundation for their commitment to investing in the youth and empowering communities through education.

He emphasized the importance of partnerships between corporate institutions and local governments to drive sustainable development and challenged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity, reminding them that education is the key to unlocking the potential of their communities.

Nana Kofi Nkoah II, Chief of Sefwi Ahwiaa, lauded the foundation’s efforts in providing educational opportunities for young people who might otherwise struggle to access higher education.

He highlighted the transformative impact of the scholarships on families and the community and urged the beneficiaries to uphold the values of hard work and service to their communities.

Nana Kofi Nkoah also called for continued collaboration between the foundation, the company, and community leaders to sustain and expand the program’s reach.

In his address, the General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano Limited, Stephen Asante, announced that the company has invested over GHS 850,000 since the inception of the scholarship schemes in 2021.

This support has already produced 33 graduates who are contributing to society as doctors, engineers, nurses, teachers, and other professionals.

He stressed the importance of a fair and transparent selection process, explaining that each recipient had undergone rigorous assessments, including aptitude tests, interviews, and background checks, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates were selected and that every community had an equal opportunity to benefit.

The General Manager also reaffirmed the company’s broader commitment to education, referencing the recent rehabilitation of the Anyinasie Basic School by the Finance Department.

"It was extremely satisfying to see the pupils now studying in classrooms fit for purpose, and I look forward to seeing some of them progress in their education and one day benefit from this very scholarship," he remarked.

The Board Chairman of the Chirano Sefwiman Foundation, Kwaku Sarfo Duah echoed the importance of education as a key driver of progress: "Education empowers individuals to break free from the chains of ignorance, poverty, and inequality," he said. "This scholarship is not a handout; it is an investment in your future and the development of our communities."

Since its inception, the CSF and GM Scholarships have collectively provided educational opportunities to 138 brilliant but needy students, fulfilling the foundation’s vision of removing financial barriers and nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers.