WAPCo deepens education drive with 70 new scholarships                    

By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Shama

The West African Gas Pipeline Company (WAPCo) has awarded scholarships to 70 students from seven host communities, bringing the total number of beneficiaries under its education support programme to 673 over the past 12 years.

The 70 beneficiaries comprise 37 males and 33 females drawn from Shama, Aboadze, Dwomo, Abuesi, Lower Inchaban, Tema as well as Kpone.

The current batch of students are to pursue programmes in engineering, law, medicine, pharmacy, nursing and other disciplines at institutions such as the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Cape Coast, Takoradi Technical University, University of Development Studies and the University of Education, Winneba.

“The 12th batch of the scheme reflects a sustained commitment to building human capital in our operational areas,” WAPCo’s General Manager Corporate Affairs Dr. Isaac Adjei Doku explained.

Speaking at the scholarship award ceremony and orientation session themed ‘Built to Last’, he explained that the initiative is designed to create long-term opportunities for young people rather than short-term relief.

“This programme is not just about scholarships. It is about investing in futures, building confidence and creating opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom,” he said.

He traced the intervention’s origin to 2012 when WAPCo introduced its Livelihood Support Programme anchored on two key components – the Scholarship Scheme and Community Youth Enterprise Scheme.

According to him, the scholarship scheme has been implemented consistently since its inception, expanding from an initial 41 beneficiaries to the current cohort of 70 students.

Over the years, he said, the programme has produced graduates who are contributing to national development in diverse fields including engineering, healthcare, education, finance, law and the creative industry.

“Our beneficiaries have become engineers, health professionals, educators, finance professionals, lawyers and community mentors. These are real stories of transformation that show the programme is built to last,” he added.

Dr. Doku urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and use the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in their communities and the country at large.

He pointed out that beyond formal education the company has also supported 108 young people through its Community Youth Enterprise Scheme, offering skills training in areas such as catering, electrical works, carpentry, auto mechanics and fashion design.

In total, about 781 beneficiaries have also been supported under WAPCo’s Livelihood Support Programme nationwide.

He reiterated the company’s commitment to its host communities, stressing that its interventions are rooted in shared growth and mutual respect.

Director of Education at Shama, Raphael Aidoo-Taylor, urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and remain focused, stressing that the path ahead will require discipline, resilience and courage.

He praised WAPCo for its sustained commitment to education in the district, noting that the scholarship scheme has contributed significantly to improving access to education and promoting inclusivity.

He encouraged the beneficiaries to see themselves as future leaders, innovators and change-makers who will contribute to national development.

The Shama District Chief Executive, Paul Otis Dentu, lauded WAPCo for its sustained investment in education.

The company’s interventions which span from basic to tertiary education, he said, are making a measurable impact on the lives of young people in the municipality and beyond.

“Education goes beyond acquiring knowledge and skills. It helps inculcate values in the younger generation and ensures the continuity of society. Investing in education is investing in the future of the nation,” he stated.

The DCE urged beneficiaries to take their academic work seriously and avoid complacency.

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