Six exceptional second-year female students from the Departments of Computer Engineering and Computer Science at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, have been awarded the Francis Faki Amanquah Foundation (FFAF) Scholarship for the 2024/2025 academic year.
The Francis Faki Amanquah Foundation, a non-profit organization established in memory of the late Francis Faki Amanquah, a KNUST alumnus, aims to provide scholarships and mentorship opportunities to young Ghanaian women pursuing higher education at KNUST.
The second cohort of beneficiaries includes Delali Mina Torgah, Christabel Benewaah, Khadija Ndaiya Kamil, Ikhlas Adeola Abdul-Sattar, Ampem Kobi Afriyie, and Isobel Naa Norkor Noye.
Recognized for their outstanding academic performance, the recipients were awarded a comprehensive scholarship package covering tuition fees, accommodation, a stipend, and a laptop.
The scholarship presentation ceremony took place during a courtesy call on the Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University’s Council Chamber.
Mrs. Mercy Bruce-Amanquah, Founder and CEO of the Foundation, explained that the late Francis Faki Amanquah’s belief in education as a transformative tool inspired the establishment of the Foundation. She expressed confidence in the awardees’ ability to excel throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Addressing the gender gap in STEM fields, Mrs. Bruce-Amanquah highlighted the lack of visible role models as a key barrier to women’s participation.
“As a result, the Foundation will provide mentors, women in STEM, to guide and encourage our scholars throughout their journey,” she announced.
She emphasized the Foundation’s vision of fostering a culture of giving back, expressing hope that the beneficiaries would, in the future, support their communities and return as alumni to mentor and sponsor more young women.
Mrs. Bruce-Amanquah also revealed plans to establish an alumni program to provide structured post-graduation support.
“We are in discussions with potential partners and aim to finalize these plans by the time the inaugural cohort graduates in 2026,” she disclosed.
Mrs. Bruce-Amanquah congratulated the beneficiaries and urged them to pursue excellence in their studies.
“We look forward to seeing how this award propels you into the future and the incredible contributions you will make in the years to come,” she said.
Professor David Asamoah, Pro Vice-Chancellor of KNUST, commended the Foundation for its support, noting that the initiative aligns with the Vice-Chancellor’s priorities of fostering strategic partnerships and promoting gender inclusion.
“We are very pleased with this relationship with your Foundation. As a university, we are committed to ensuring that females are fully included in academic and professional opportunities,” he stated.
Professor Asamoah also acknowledged the Foundation’s alignment with the Vice-Chancellor’s “Support One Student with One Laptop” project, which aims to provide essential academic resources to brilliant but needy students at KNUST.
Mrs. Amanquah, accompanied by Foundation members including Dr. Oona Nanka-Bruce, Dr. Mercy Opare-Addo, and Mrs. Mina Narh, presented the scholarships to the beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Miss Ampem Kobi Afriyie expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Foundation for its generosity and commitment to supporting young women in STEM.
“Your investment in our education goes beyond supporting our academic pursuits; it is a contribution to our growth, development, and lives,” she said.
Miss Afriyie pledged that the beneficiaries would make a positive impact in their communities and give back to the Foundation in the future.
“We promise to continue studying smart and return to support this initiative, paying it forward to empower future generations of women in STEM,” she assured.
