Ghana’s Ambassador to U.S. Secures Scholarships Worth $62m for Ghanaian Students

At a time when Ambassadorial positions in Africa have become nothing but compensations to political God fathers and party leaders, Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, H.E. Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah has begged to differ.

He has proved to the world that he is fully aware of his duties as an Ambassador which among other things include the promotion of his/her country's interest and fostering diplomatic relations.

In a bid to boost knowledge transfer and make international education accessible and more affordable for intending Ghanaian students who wish to school abroad, Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Andrews University in the United States of America to provide partial scholarship grants worth $62 million to Ghanaian students and professionals, both home and abroad.

In his address to the executive leadership of the university, an excited Dr. Adjei-Barwauh, said:

“This is a five-year program so it is something that is going to benefit our people for a while. At a time where the world is moving fast, this kind of relationship is important for our development.

“We have secured 250 seats per year for Ghanaian students and professionals-200 seats for undergraduate students and 50 seats for graduate students. This means that we can enroll up to 1250 students during the lifetime of the agreement. 

"The program gives students and professionals who will be pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees, 50% off their tuition cost. The partnership also extends to students and professionals who prefer to stay home and pursue their degree programs on-line.”

According to the enrollment information provided by the University, undergraduate students enrolled pay about $28,272 per year.

However, for students who will benefit from the 50% scholarship will get $14,136 off per year totaling $56,544 of savings for 4 years. A discount of $56,544 for 200 students per year for five years comes to $56.5 million of scholarship accessible to Ghanaian first degree students. 

The discount total, accessible to graduate students is about $5.5 million at 50 students for five years. Essentially, this agreement means that Ghanaians have close to $62 million worth of scholarship they can access under this program.

Speaking at the meeting, President of Andrews University, Dr. Andrea Luxton, emphasized the school’s commitment to education and the motive for investing in Ghanaians, he said:

“As an Adventist institution, we believe in giving back by way of empowerment, through education. Our relationship with Ghana goes back many years. This partnership solidifies that relationship even more”.

Also at the signing-in event was Mr. Kwame Antwi-Frempong, the deal broker and CEO of Aspire Business Network, in his address, he said:

“Both parties have agreed for Aspire’s continuous involvement in the program. They want to make sure students are rigorously screened. This will ensure that students who go through the program are legitimate and academically ready. The sustainability of this program is very important. 

"It’s going to give Ghanaians access to over $60 million so we will do everything to protect the integrity of the program and by extension, the Embassy and Andrews University.”

Dr. Barfour Adjei-Barwuah has received praised for the initiatives, but what are your thoughts?