Bui Power Authority offers scholarship package to tertiary students
Accra, Dec. 26, GNA- Bui Power Authority (BPA), the managers of the Bui Dam has offered scholarship packages worth GHC25, 853.88 to four students in communities affected by the construction of the 400 megawatts hydro-electric dam in the Banda District of the Bono region.
The beneficiaries are; Mr Peter Anane Gbono, who gained admission to pursue Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at the Sunyani Technical University (STU), and Mr Kwame Kajansah offering BSc. Planning and Sustainability at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR).
Others are Mr Thomas Shie Shakur, who gained admission to the Abetifi Presbyterian College of Education to pursue a degree in Basic Education and Mr Boniface K, Dzobo offering a Degree in Education (ICT and Mathematics) at the Evangelical Presbyterian College of Education, Bimbilla.
The scholarship package included; financial aid, accommodation, computer and upkeep for the entire programmes of the students.
Each of the beneficiaries also received a laptop, at a short ceremony held at the Bui Resettlement camp on Thursday.
Nana Dr David Mensah, the Chairman of the nine-member committee set up by the BPA to manage the scholarship scheme, advised the beneficiaries to learn hard and use the laptops wisely and to do research work.
He advised parents in the communities to show interest and support the education of their children especially their girls by providing them with basic learning and teaching materials.
Mr Salifu Wumbilla, the Director, General Services Department of the BPA said the focus of the scholarship was to support students who pursued science, mathematics, engineering and related programmes.
He emphasised education remained the legacy parents could bequeath their children and wards, and urged students in the area to also concentrate on their books to benefit from the package.
Mr Eric Opoku Acheampong, the Manager, Lands Administration of the BPA, explained the scholarship package was rolled out to assist brilliant, but financially handicapped.
He gave the assurance that the BPA would continue to implement social intervention measures to mitigate, restore and even better the socio-economic livelihoods of the affected people and the communities.
The Bui hydro-electric project was designed primarily for hydro-power generation.
It however includes; the development of an irrigation scheme for agriculture development and presents an opportunity for enhanced eco-system and fisheries.
It also comprises a resettlement and community support programme.
The project, which was expected to cost about $622 million, was funded with a concessional loan of $263.5 million from China, a buyer’s credit of $298.5 million from the EXIM Bank of China together with government’s contribution of 60 million dollars.
It however experienced a funding shortfall of $168 million, arising primarily from the unanticipated effects of the 2008 global financial upheavals and unforeseen essential works.
