UGAANA Donates GHS100,000 to Support Eight Needy and Brilliant Students

The University of Ghana Alumni Association of North America (UGAANA) has donated an amount of one hundred thousand Ghana cedis (GHS 100,000) to support eight identified needy but brilliant first-year students of the University of Ghana. The Association further indicated that the selected beneficiaries would continue to receive financial assistance throughout their academic stay at the University.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, the President of UGAANA, Mr. Kwabena Annor-Ampofo, reaffirmed the Association’s commitment to supporting students with genuine financial needs, describing it as a core priority of the alumni body. He noted that the number of beneficiaries has steadily increased over the years, reflecting UGAANA’s resolve to extend financial assistance to more deserving students.

Mr. Kwabena Annor-Ampofo seized the opportunity to express his appreciation to the Vice-Chancellor for leading a University of Ghana delegation to the 2025 UGAANA Reunion, held in Maryland, USA, in September.

A former Vice-President of UGAANA, Dr. Alexander Bilson Darku, explained that the Association was established primarily to support students of the University of Ghana through the provision of scholarships. According to him, the initiative began with sponsorship for three students and has grown consistently over the years. He added that as a scholarship-focused organisation, UGAANA is exploring opportunities to extend the scheme to postgraduate students in the near future.

Receiving the delegation, Professor Amfo expressed profound appreciation to UGAANA for its sustained partnership with the University, particularly its support for students with disabilities. She acknowledged the increasing support from alumni in recent months, citing initiatives such as the Hotspot Comfort Zone funded by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsley Bagbin and the donation of ten laptops by the UG ‘93 Year Group in support of the One Student, One Laptop initiative. The Vice-Chancellor further encouraged the Association to deliberately engage younger alumni to ensure sustainability and long-term impact.

The Pro Vice-Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs, Professor Gordon A. Awandare, described UGAANA as one of the most organised alumni associations of the University and urged other alumni groups to emulate its example. He expressed gratitude to the Association for its consistent contributions to student welfare and the overall development of the University.

In his remarks, the Director of the Institutional Advancement Directorate, Professor Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah, announced that a comprehensive alumni database aimed at organising UGAANA members and alumni in other countries would be launched by January to enhance mobilisation efforts. He added that plans are underway to increase support to the Students Financial Aid Office and advance infrastructural development across the University, assuring UGAANA of Management’s continued support.

The Head of the Students Financial Aid Office (SFAO), Ms. Selina Torrison Saaka, highlighted the positive impact of financial support on academic excellence, noting that each year at least two or three beneficiaries of financial aid emerge as valedictorians. She expressed deep appreciation to UGAANA for its continued support, which she described as life-changing for many students.

One the scholarship beneficiaries, Mary Tanoh, thanked UGAANA for the support, on behalf of her colleagues.

Other members of the UGAANA delegation included Prof. Emefa Tamakloe, Special Projects Lead, Mr. William Adjei, member of the Planning Committee and Dr. Sadia Nuhu, Ambassador Designee for Diaspora Affairs.