In a concerted effort to secure the educational future of their youth, the Richard Nii Armah Quaye (RNAQ) Foundation, the Ga Mantse, and the Ga Dangme Youth have united to establish a scholarship fund.
The initiative is designed to support brilliant but financially underprivileged students from the Ga-Dangme community whose tertiary education is threatened by economic hardship.
Launched in partnership with the Ga Mantse Foundation, the fund aims to assist eligible students admitted to recognized universities across the country.
A Response to Educational Decline
The founder of the fund, Mr. Richard Nii Armah Quaye, explained that the initiative was born out of concern for the educational progress of the Ga-Dangme people.
Citing personal experiences, he recalled traveling abroad where individuals visited Accra without knowing it was his hometown, as well as attending a graduation ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST).
“From my observation, I realised that only a few graduating students had Ga names. These experiences made me realise that Ga-Adangbes were not doing enough when it came to education. I became disturbed and acknowledged that Ga land was falling,” Mr. Quaye said.
Discussions with friends, traditional leaders, and youth revealed that while some students drop out due to personal choices, many are forced to leave school because their parents cannot afford the costs.
Consequently, the scholarship fund was created to offer deserving students the financial support needed to complete their education.
A Call for Unity Mr. Quaye emphasized that the challenges facing the community extend beyond finances to a lack of unity and insufficient involvement in development projects.
He urged the community to come together to change the situation and called on traditional leaders to collaborate to leave a positive legacy.
He expressed hope that the scholarship would become an annual event, expanding its reach in the coming years.
How to Apply
The scholarship is open to Ga-Dangme students enrolled in accredited tertiary institutions who demonstrate good academic performance and proven financial need. Applicants whose parents or guardians can afford their fees are advised not to apply.
Applications must be submitted online via www.RNAQscholarshipfund.org. Applicants are required to submit proof of enrolment, academic records, and certificates. Upon submission, each applicant will receive a unique code to track their application status.
The organizers designed the online process to streamline applications and ensure they are reviewed fairly against the requirements.
Education as a Development Priority
Nii Odaifio Welentsi III, President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs and Paramount Chief of Nungua, endorsed the initiative, stating that education must be a central pillar of the Ga-Dangme development agenda.
“Education is a driving force behind progress… it gives individuals the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to participate fully in society,” he said.
Nii Welentsi III further proposed creating a database of accomplished Ga-Dangme professionals to mobilize expertise and resources for community development.
He also called for deliberate support for young entrepreneurs to help them participate meaningfully in the economy.
Traditional and Celebrity Backing King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, commended Mr. Quaye for the initiative and called on the community to support the fund.
He urged Ga-Dangme people to refrain from using disrespectful language against traditional leaders and pledged his solidarity with Nii Nungua.
The King also appealed to queen mothers to help mediate disputes and maintain unity, emphasizing that education is vital for the community’s future.
Musician Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, also pledged his support for the Ga Mantse and the protection of Ga-Dangme interests.
He urged the youth to take ownership of their community’s development, protect their lands, and unite against external political interests. He declared his readiness to empower the youth and contribute to the area’s development.