Awulae Blay IX Announces Overseas Scholarship for 10 Tertiary Students
The Paramount Chief of the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area, His Royal Majesty Awulae Blay IX, has announced plans to provide an overseas scholarship package for 10 tertiary students from the Ellembelle area to study petrochemical engineering.
The scholarship forms part of a broader education support initiative being implemented under the leadership of Awulae Blay IX to reduce the financial burden on students and families while encouraging young people in the area to pursue higher education.
The announcement was made during a presentation of educational materials to about 350 Junior High School graduates from the Ellembelle District who had gained admission to Senior High Schools for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Overseas Scholarship for 10 Tertiary Students
According to the Ghana News Agency, Awulae Blay IX announced that 10 tertiary students would be supported to study abroad as petrochemical engineers.
The scholarship package is expected to begin by January and September next year, with the beneficiaries expected to return home after completing their studies.
The initiative is aimed at developing skilled human resources who can contribute to the growth of the Nzema area, particularly as opportunities continue to emerge around the petroleum and related industries.
The Paramount Chief explained that although the Nzema area has several job opportunities, many indigenes lack the basic qualifications needed to take advantage of them. The scholarship and education support programmes are therefore intended to help young people acquire the qualifications and skills required to participate in emerging economic opportunities. Support for 350 SHS Freshers
The overseas scholarship announcement came alongside an education support programme for newly admitted Senior High School students in Ellembelle.
About 350 JHS graduates who had gained admission to SHSs benefited from the initiative, which is known as “Educational Support to Brilliant but Needy Students.”
Each beneficiary received a package containing a metal trunk, wooden chop box, student mattress, bucket and mosquito net.
The support is intended to help families meet some of the immediate costs associated with sending their children to Senior High School.
Awulae Blay IX said the initiative would continue to expand. He announced that from next year, newly admitted Form One students would receive a more comprehensive set of provisions, including mattresses, buckets, pillows, bedsheets, soap and mosquito nets.
Scholarship Support to Expand
The Paramount Chief also disclosed that the number of students benefiting from the educational support initiative had increased significantly.
Last year, 70 students reportedly benefited from the package. The initiative has now been expanded to about 350 students, demonstrating a broader focus on supporting young people as they transition from basic education to the second-cycle level.
The programme is expected to continue expanding annually as part of efforts to reduce the financial pressure on parents and guardians.
For many families, the transition from JHS to SHS comes with additional expenses, including school supplies, accommodation-related items, uniforms and other personal necessities. Providing some of these items can help families prepare their children for the new academic environment.
Focus on Education and Skills Development
Awulae Blay IX said his educational interventions were not limited to students who are able to continue through the formal education system.
He also announced plans to introduce a skills development and entrepreneurial training programme for young people who may not be able to access formal education.
The proposed programme is intended to equip such individuals with practical skills that can help them establish themselves and become economically productive.
This approach reflects a broader focus on both academic education and vocational or entrepreneurial skills as pathways for young people.
Preparing Young People for Emerging Opportunities
The Eastern Nzema Traditional Area is located in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region, an area associated with petroleum and other economic activities.
Nana Bonya Kofi, Chief of Basake, encouraged schoolchildren in Nzema to aim for higher qualifications so they could take advantage of opportunities emerging from the Petroleum Hub Development Project and the oil and gas industry.
The call highlights the importance of education and technical skills as Ghana continues to develop its petroleum and industrial sectors.
For students interested in science, technology and engineering-related careers, opportunities in areas such as petrochemical engineering can provide a pathway into specialised industries.
The overseas scholarship announced by Awulae Blay IX is therefore expected to give selected tertiary students an opportunity to acquire specialised knowledge outside Ghana before returning home.
Plans to Support Teachers
The education initiative also includes support for teachers.
Awulae Blay IX disclosed that the Ellembelle District currently had a teacher deficit of about 300. His office had therefore requested 50 newly trained teachers from the Holy Child College of Education.
According to the report, 30 of the requested teachers had already been posted to Ellembelle by the Ghana Education Service.
The Paramount Chief also announced plans to introduce an award scheme for teachers, with the best teacher expected to receive a vehicle.
The initiative is intended to recognise teachers and encourage improved commitment to education in the district.
Education as a Long-Term Investment
Awulae Blay IX said he would continue supporting schoolchildren in the area.
The various initiatives, ranging from educational materials for SHS students to overseas scholarships and skills development programmes, form part of a wider effort to improve access to education and help young people build qualifications for future employment.
The support also comes at a time when families across Ghana continue to face financial challenges associated with education.
Providing students with essential school items can reduce some of the immediate expenses faced by parents, while scholarships can provide longer-term assistance to students pursuing tertiary education.
A Call for Community Support
Awulae Bazil Kpole, Abusuakpanyinli and family head of the Royal Ndweafo Clan at Atuabo, called on sons and daughters of Ellembelle living abroad to support the educational initiatives being championed by Awulae Blay IX.
He said continued support from people in the diaspora could help strengthen efforts to transform the area through quality education.
The appeal reflects the potential role of community members, traditional authorities, private organisations and individuals in supporting education alongside government programmes.
What the Scholarship Means for Students
The planned overseas scholarship for 10 tertiary students could provide the selected beneficiaries with an opportunity to gain specialised training in petrochemical engineering.
Beyond obtaining academic qualifications, the students are expected to return to Ghana after completing their studies.
This could help create a pool of specialised professionals from the area who can contribute to the development of Ghana’s petroleum and industrial sectors.
The initiative also reinforces the importance of preparing young people with skills that match emerging economic opportunities.
For students and families in Ellembelle, the education support programme therefore extends beyond immediate school supplies. It includes a longer-term focus on tertiary education, professional training, entrepreneurship and skills development.
Conclusion
Awulae Blay IX has announced an overseas scholarship package for 10 tertiary students who will be supported to study petrochemical engineering and return home after completing their programmes.
The announcement forms part of a wider education initiative in the Ellembelle District, which has already supported about 350 newly admitted SHS students with essential boarding materials.
With additional plans for skills training, teacher support and recognition for outstanding teachers, the initiative is placing education and human capital development at the centre of efforts to support young people in the Eastern Nzema Traditional Area.
As the scholarship programme takes shape, the selected tertiary students will have an opportunity to acquire specialised training that could position them to contribute to Ghana’s growing petroleum and industrial sectors after their studies.
