Amanquah Foundation awards scholarships to 6 students

The Francis Faki Amanquah Foundation (FFAF), an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), has awarded scholarships to six students of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).

The students, all females, are studying Computer Science and Computer Engineering.

The scholarship presentation at the KNUST campus last Friday marked the second time the Foundation has extended such support, following a similar initiative last year that benefited five female students from the same university.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of FFAF, Mercy Bruce-Amanquah, reiterated the Foundation’s commitment to increasing access to careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) for Ghanaian women.

"We are here today to present scholarship awards covering tuition, accommodation, stipends and laptops to six deserving young women studying Computer Science and Computer Engineering.

“This initiative is aimed at encouraging them to pursue careers that will enable them to make a global impact with their skills," she stated.

Mrs Bruce-Amanquah explained that the Foundation was established in memory of her late husband, Francis Faki Amanquah, an alumnus of KNUST with a deep passion for education, particularly for the empowerment of women in STEM.

Citing global statistics, she revealed that only 28 per cent of the STEM workforce comprised women, with Ghana’s figure standing at just 30 per cent.

She attributed the trend to the lack of female role models in STEM fields, which the Foundation seeks to address.

In addition to financial support and laptops, she disclosed that the Foundation would provide mentorship to scholarship recipients to guide and inspire them throughout their academic journey.

Gratitude

The Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, Professor David Asamoah, expressed gratitude to FFAF for its impactful initiative.

Addressing the Foundation’s representatives and the Faculty of Computer Science and Computer Engineering, he emphasised that such support played a crucial role in enhancing student success.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to work hard, stating that their dedication would justify the continuation of the scholarship programme in collaboration with the International Programmes Office, allowing more students to benefit in the future.

Speaking to reporters, a Level 200 Computer Science student, Christabel Benewaah, expressed her appreciation for the scholarship, noting that the support will motivate her to excel academically.

Another beneficiary, Isabel Naa Norkor Noye, highlighted the timeliness of the financial assistance, stressing that it had come at a critical moment in her academic journey.

The other recipients are Delali Mina Torgah, Khadija Ndaiya Kamil, Ikhlas Adeola Abdul-Sattar and Ampem Kobi Afriyie, who also extended their heartfelt gratitude to the FFAF Foundation for providing them with the opportunity to pursue their education without financial burdens.