Chiefs and elders of Asante Akyem Odumase in the Ashanti region have supported 20 senior high school (SHS) freshers, comprising 14 girls and six boys.
The beneficiaries who received GH₵1,000 each obtained an aggregate of between 7 and 9 in the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
They were from various schools within the Odumase community, including Osei Kuffuor JHS, KOSS Model, Eliel Educational Complex, Agyare Agomat Basic, and Aduna JHS.
The chief of Odumase, Dr. Nana Kofi Antwi II, instituted the financial package in 2024 to assist brilliant students to pursue secondary education.
The chief, who doubles as the Nifahene of the Asante Juaben Traditional Area and a lecturer at Valley View University (VVU), explained that the policy was initiated in alliance with the local Education Committee, in fulfillment of his pledge to promote education and boost development within his jurisdiction.
Presenting the packages to the students at the Nana Mumuamor Ampam Palace at Odumase, the retired Assistant Director of Ghana Prisons, Nana Antwi, announced that the Stool Elders and the Development Committee were considering other major projects.
This, he said, includes a community centre, expansion of the over 80-year-old Palace and construction of barracks for the local police station.
The queen mother of Odumase, Nana Yaa Koa III, advised parents to prioritise education.
She said a healthy upbringing of their wards was paramount to securing a better future for their wards and ensure development at the community and national level.
Oheneba Akwasi Asim II, Akwamuhene of Odumasi, affirmed that the gesture by Nananom to assist brilliant students would be sustained to encourage students to study hard and bring honours to their parents and the community towards development.
The Odumasi Akwamuhene urged other traditional leaders to emulate the shining example of the Odumasi chiefs for instituting the annual package for the students.
Seven students benefited from the offer last year and got admitted to their schools of choice, including Aburi Girls, Kumasi Anglican SHS, Yaa Asantewaa Girls, Prempeh College, Konongo Odumase SHS (KOSS) and KNUST SHS, among others.
Source: Alex Treve Quarshie