It was a moment of pride, fulfilment, and renewed hope as the Chirano Sefwiman Foundation graduated its first batch of scholarship beneficiaries.

The ceremony saw 33 young men and women including doctors, engineers, nurses, pharmacists and teachers, successfully completing their tertiary education under the Foundation’s scholarship scheme. 

The Chirano Sefwiman Foundation was set up in 2021 to provide educational support to brilliant but underprivileged students from the 20 catchment communities in the Asante Gold Chirano Limited.

The scholarship, which was birthed through the collaborative efforts of the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and traditional authorities, has so far enrolled 107 students, with the 32 graduates representing the first cohort to complete their studies.

Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Foundation, Dindiok Chialin, expressed his delight at the high number of students pursuing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) courses, which constitute over 80 per cent of the graduates a strategic focus of the foundation to promote skills that are critical to community and national development.

The graduates included doctors, engineers, nurses, pharmacists, teachers, and other professionals, whose expertise will contribute significantly to the development of the Chirano catchment communities.

He commended the Community Consultative Committee (CCC) and the traditional leaders for making education one of the pillars of the Foundation, despite several competing priorities, and  acknowledged Asante Gold Chirano Limited for its commitment to the foundation.

He noted that $1 from every ounce of gold produced by the company is set aside to support the foundation, while the company also absorbs all administrative costs to ensure that every cedi contributed directly supports beneficiaries.

The General Manager of Asante Gold Chirano Limited, Stephen Asante Yamoah, expressed pride in the achievements of the graduates, describing them as “pioneers and ambassadors of a brighter future for the Chirano communities.”

He revealed that the company had invested GHS 750,000 in the education of the graduates, covering full or partial tuition and accommodation. He urged them to give back to their communities, reminding them that “to whom much is given, much is expected.”

The Kyidomhene of the Sefwi Wiawso Traditional Area, Nana Eluo Panyin, also addressed the gathering, commending Asante Gold Chirano Limited for its significant contributions to the community through the foundation.

He urged the graduates to apply the knowledge they had acquired to solve societal problems and participate in decision-making processes within their communities.

He encouraged them to become ambassadors of human development, inspire their peers who did not have the opportunity for formal education, and make use of the social connections they built during their education.

"As you step into the next phase of your lives, always analyse issues critically before drawing conclusions. Learn to distinguish between what is genuine and what is false," Nana Eluo advised.

He also reminded the graduates to seek job opportunities both locally and online, as vacancies at the mining company were limited, urging them to be self-reliant and not a burden on their families or the community.

On behalf of the graduates, Dr Lily Bosompem Nkansah, expressed profound gratitude to the Foundation, the company, and their families for the immense support.

She pledged that the graduates would uphold the values of hard work, integrity, and service to their communities.