The Lebanese Community in Ghana has awarded scholarships to thirteen (13) exceptional law students from the University of Ghana. The award which was presented by His Excellency Ali Halabi, Lebanese Ambassador to Ghana, is the fifth since the inception of the scholarship scheme.
Prof. Ebenezer Owusu Oduro, Vice-Chancellor who attended the ceremony, extended his profound gratitude to the Lebanese Community for the gesture, and said he was looking forward to a time where University students would have a tuition-free education, be able to access bursaries and scholarships as is the practice globally.
Prof. Owusu Oduro charged the beneficiaries, to be honest, and self-disciplined in the pursuit of justice as they owe it a duty, not only to themselves and the institution but the nation as well.
Prof. Edward Kofi Quashigah, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, expressed appreciation to the Lebanese community for its continuous support for the programme. According to him, the scholarship which started in 2013 has through the intervention of His Excellency Ali Halabi been extended to the Ghana School of Law. Prof. Quashigah noted that beneficiaries are to justify their continuous assistance yearly although the scholarship runs throughout their stay in school.
His Excellency Ali Halabi, who is ending his duty tour in Ghana, noted that the Lebanese Community in Ghana recognizes the role of a strong and educated human resource base as the driver of national development hence identifying education as a sole area to make that positive impact. His Excellency further urged the new and continuing beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity presented them to maintain academic standard in order to merit future rewards.
His Excellency Ali Halabi receiving a gift from Prof. Ebenezer Owusu Oduro, Vice-Chancellor
The President of the Law Students’ Union, Mr. Kenneth Afriyie Appiah on behalf of his colleague beneficiaries extended appreciation to His Excellency and the Lebanese Community for the opportunity offered to them. He paid glowing tribute also to the Management of the University, for the conducive learning environment provided them. He admonished his colleagues to seize the internship opportunities available to them, and the added opportunity of learning French at the Alliance Francaise, which he said, was a plus for them. He pledged their dedication and commitment to the standard set by their predecessors to justify the investment being made in them.
Prof. Samuel Agyei-Mensah, Provost of College of Humanities in his closing remarks said that the scholarship was a reflection of the trust the Lebanese Community had in the University and students. He expressed hope that the financial support would continue even in the absence of His Excellency.
In brief remarks, Mrs. Stella A. Amoa, Director of Public Affairs, thanked Ambassador Halabi for the pioneering role played in mobilizing funds for the scholarships, which she said had been sustained through his tireless efforts and commitment. She called on the beneficiaries to continue to study hard and wished them well in their studies.
The Head of Student Financial Aid Office, Mrs. Christine Baning who hosted the ceremony, later assisted the Vice-Chancellor to make a presentation on behalf of the University to His Excellency Ali Halabi. The Ambassador was accompanied by Mr. Naaman Ashkar, a member of the Lebanese community in Ghana.
A group photo after the event
