As Ghana marks 65 years of the Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, the contributions of Ghanaian alumni to the country’s socio-economic development are being celebrated.

The Commonwealth Scholars and Fellows Alumni Association of Ghana (CoSFAG) have organised an event to highlight the achievements of its members in various fields, from academia to healthcare and beyond.

The celebration shows the dedication of these individuals who have used their scholarship experiences to drive change in their communities.

Dr. John Boulard Forkuo, Senior Lecturer at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and President of CoSFAG, expressed his pride in the alumni’s achievements.

“The Commonwealth Scholarship has been about academic excellence and contributing to national development. Our alumni have used their experiences abroad to make a difference in Ghana, and today, we gather to celebrate those contributions,” he said.

The Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Plan, established in 1960, has awarded scholarships to over 2,000 Ghanaians.

This has enabled them to study in the United Kingdom and return home to contribute to the country’s development.

While these scholars and fellows have made strides in various sectors, until the formation of CoSFAG, there was no central body to coordinate and celebrate their efforts.

CoSFAG was established to help in the collaboration among alumni and provide a platform for them to share their experiences and continue their work as goodwill ambassadors of the UK.

CoSFAG’s influence in Ghana is undeniable, with its members engaged in projects that address key issues such as climate change, food security, and education.

In 2016, the association organised educational activities on these critical issues, alongside Basic Life Support Training for students at the School of Health and Social Care.

In 2020, CoSFAG hosted an event in Kumasi to help over 200 students apply for Commonwealth Scholarships, which shows their devotion to mentoring the next generation of scholars.

Professor Daniel Duah, Dean of the International Programmes Office at KNUST, spoke about the power of international exchange opportunities.

“When you give students the chance to study abroad, even for a short period, it changes their perspective. They return with new ideas, new ways of thinking, and a drive to make a difference,” he said.

He shared his own experience as a Commonwealth Scholar, mentioning the life-changing nature of the scholarship.

“I had offers from international institutions, but I chose to return to Ghana. I believe in what we can achieve here,” he said,

He urged current students to seize opportunities and bring their knowledge back home to contribute to Ghana’s growth.

The event also featured a book, “Impact of Commonwealth Scholars in Ghana,” which documents the contributions of CoSFAG members to the country’s development.

This publication shows the ways these scholars have applied their knowledge across various sectors, from public health to engineering, education, and business.

One of the most inspiring stories in the book and also shared at the event is that of Professor Frances Thelma Kwabea Owusu-Daaku.

As the first female professor of pharmacy in Ghana, she has played a role in mentoring young women and encouraging them to pursue careers in academia.

“For several years, I was the only female lecturer in the Faculty of Pharmacy at KNUST. Now, 32 years later, the faculty can boast of 14 female lecturers out of a total of 52,” she revealed.

Her leadership as Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and her involvement in various professional organizations have left a mark on the education sector.

As Vice-President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana and former President of the Planned Parenthood Association of Ghana, she has served as a mentor to many, including the current Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor Rita Akosua Dickson.

Among the honourees is Professor Aboagye Menyeh, a figure whose impact at KNUST has earned him recognition.

Professor Menyeh was honoured with a Gold Division Plaque for his service to the university.

As a further tribute to his legacy, the College of Science building has been renamed the Aboagye Menyeh Complex.

In celebrating 65 years of the Commonwealth Scholarship, CoSFAG says education is about using knowledge to improve society.