Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama will sponsor full scholarships for the top 10 candidates of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) every two years.
Speaking at the WAEC Distinction Awards in Accra, Mr. Iddrisu disclosed that what was initially a plan to support just three outstanding students has been expanded to 10, following President Mahama’s directive.
“I am pleased to announce, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, that the number of awardees has been increased from three to ten,” the Minister said.
He further explained that the selection of recipients will be entirely managed by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), with no political influence or external interference. Only students identified by WAEC as the best-performing candidates in WASSCE during each biennial cycle will qualify for the scholarships.
“These top 10 students, chosen purely on merit by WAEC, will benefit from the President’s scholarship scheme,” Mr. Iddrisu added.
The scholarship programme will be fully financed through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and administered by a new Scholarship Authority, which is yet to be established. Mr. Iddrisu reiterated the government’s commitment to maintaining transparency and meritocracy in the selection process.
“There will be no interference in WAEC’s assessment. The top ten will enjoy the President’s full support through this initiative,” he concluded.
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem