The Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, has welcomed the 11th Cohort of Mastercard Foundation Scholars at the Vice-Chancellor’s Reception Dinner held at the Great Hall.

This year’s cohort includes students from 22 African countries: Burkina Faso, Eswatini, Burundi, Cameroon, DR Congo, Eritrea, Ethiopia, The Gambia, Ivory Coast and Kenya.

The rest are: Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Uganda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Ghana.

The Provost of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, Professor Charles Marfo, who represented the Vice-Chancellor, Professor (Mrs.) Rita Akosua Dickson, encouraged the scholars to build strong networks during their time at the university.

“We’re proud of you. Take the opportunity to network, for you don’t know what tomorrow holds,” he said.

The event featured a drama performance, music, dance, and testimonies from selected scholars who shared their personal journeys.

Professor Kofi Owusu-Daaku, Lead for the Scholars Program, urged the students to make the most of the opportunity they have received.

“Whatever circumstances that have brought you here, just thank God you’re here. Boast in the fact that you’re a Mastercard Scholar, and let your desire be to change the world,” he said.

Scholars from other cohorts were also recognised for outstanding achievements.

The award for Overall Best Scholar was presented to Mohammed Jeng of Cohort 10, a BSc Business Administration (Accounting option) student, with a Cumulative Weighted Average of 88.09.