The Lebanese Community has extended its scholarship programme to the wards of martyrs in the Police, Immigration and Prison Services.

At a colourful ceremony at the Police Headquarters in Accra, Lebanese ambassador to Ghana Ali Halabi said in his address that “ It is such an honour to be gathered here again this year to repeat a gesture which has become a tradition of the Lebanese community in Ghana.

“It’s a great privilege for me to be with you to honour the sacrifices to brave security men and women who gave their lives to preserve the security of Ghana. In support of the hard work of these gallant men and women, I am here today on behalf of the Lebanese community in Ghana to award 31 scholarships to the sons and daughters of our brave heroes.”

He indicated that the Lebanese community whose presence in Ghana dates back to a century and who witnessed Ghana’s independence from colonialism, and the creation of its army and security services highly appreciates the role played by these services in restoring and preserving the internal security of Lebanon.

The Lebanese Ambassador revealed that the Community shares government’s vision of providing free and quality education, hence their support for education in Ghana.

“Your government is leading and paving the way of creating an enabling environment for foreign investors to invest in the country. It is important that, as you welcome new investors into the country, efforts should be made to improve and strengthen ties with already existing investors."

Interior Minister, Ambrose Derry, commended the Lebanese Community highly for the gesture.

He said, “I am informed that this is the second time the Lebanese Community in Ghana is awarding scholarships to wards of officers and men of the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service and the Ghana Prisons Service who lost their lives in the course of duty.  I am further informed that a total of 31 students will benefit from the scholarships being awarded today."

He added that “We are all aware of the reality of the harsh conditions of life for families which lose their main breadwinner. Certainly, life has not been easy for these families and their wards. This is the main reason why I am so happy for these families today.”

He praised the Lebanese Community for investing in the economy of Ghana saying, “In the course of my work as Minister for the Interior, I have encountered many Lebanese nationals.

“Many of them have made substantial investments in the economy of the country. I know that some of the Lebanese families have been in Ghana for over 100 years.”

The Inspector General of Police Asante-Apeatu, who was also present to grace the event lauded the gesture by the Lebanese Community.

Parents and some of the wards thanked the Lebanese Community profusely for the huge financial support.