Dr. Spio-Garbrah underscored the importance of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) stressing that it was conceived and born during his tenure as Education Minister and has provided financial assistance to individuals and educational institutions.

According to him, it is very important for beneficiaries of fully-funded scholarships who study abroad to see the need to return home to serve or contribute their quota to the development of Ghana.  Dr. Spio-Garbrah charged the students to take their studies seriously since it will propel them to a better future.

The C.E.O of Golden Gate Education Consult and Resource Person, Mr. William Kwaku Obuor, discussed “What You Need to Know about Scholarships.” He defined scholarships as free monies awarded to students on the basis of academics, community service, leadership and financial need. Mr. Obuor highlighted the types of scholarships, namely, merit-based (academics, talent, athletic) and Need-based (financial considerations).

Mr. Obuor discussed the key things to consider when applying for a scholarship, namely, get to know about the scholarship, go through the application guidelines (if provided), prepare all your accomplishments, keep an eye on the deadline, start filling the form and proofread before submission.

According to Mr. Obuor, full scholarships provide funding for extra costs of university studies above and beyond tuition fees, room and boarding, including extra costs like the costs of books, travel expenses, health insurance, a requirement which is required on many university campuses as well as supplies (computer, notebooks, pens, for example). He added that partial scholarships can range from small one-off payments to covering one’s whole tuition fees and others that do not usually include any support for living costs or travel expenses.

Giving his remarks, the Dean of Students, Prof. Michael Nana Owusu-Akomeah, on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, expressed his gratitude to the ABCDE for the collaboration. He said the VC had wished to be present at the event but had to attend an emergency meeting outside campus.

Prof. Owusu-Akomeah re-echoed Dr. Spio-Garbrah’s sentiments, emphasizing that individuals who get the opportunity to travel outside the country on fully-funded scholarships should return to serve or contribute their quota to the development of the country. ”It takes a lot of patriotic attitude to return home, because of the unemployment situation in Ghana. If you see that patriotism in you, you will see the need to come back home and support,” he said.