The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE), Ghana Chapter, in collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, launched Phase II of the FAWE/Mastercard Foundation Scholars’ Programme and unveiled its 2024–2030 Strategic Plan at a distinguished ceremony held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra.
Present at the occasion were eminent personalities including Dr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, Policy Adviser at the Office of the Vice-President, who represented the Vice-President of the Republic of Ghana, Her Excellency Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang. Also in attendance were Her Excellency Aïcha Bah Diallo, Board Chairperson of FAWE Africa; Dr Martha Muhwezi, Executive Director and Secretary to the FAWE Africa Board; and Mr Kossi Messanh Tsenou, Senior Communications Officer of FAWE Africa.
In a message of appreciation, Mr Richard Amoani, National Coordinator of FAWE Ghana, commended Ghana’s Technical Universities for their exceptional support during Phase I of the Scholars’ Programme. “We sincerely appreciate the leadership of the Technical Universities for the concessions made—particularly for extending admission deadlines and fast-tracking applications. These efforts enabled 200 young women to be successfully admitted for the 2024/2025 academic year,” he remarked.
Six institutions—Takoradi Technical University, Cape Coast Technical University, Ho Technical University, Bolgatanga Technical University, Tamale Technical University, and Dr Hilla Limann Technical University—were beneficiaries of Phase I, which admitted 200 students, most of whom were women and persons with disability.
Among the dignitaries from the Technical Universities present were:
Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun (TTU), Sir Prof. Elias N. K. Sowley (DHLTU), Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah (STU), Prof. Ben Quarshie Honyenuga (HTU), Prof. Samuel E. Alnaa (BTU), Prof. Gabriel Dwomoh (KsTU), Prof. Amevi Acakpovi (ATU), Prof. John Owusu (KTU), Prof. Bashiru Imoro Ibn Saeed (TaTU), Prof. Kwaku Ayim A. Boakye (CCTU), and Mr Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi (VCTU-G).
Mr Amoani also presented the 2024–2030 FAWE Ghana Strategic Plan, which outlines a bold vision for promoting gender equality and the empowerment of girls and women through education in Ghana. The plan is anchored on three strategic pillars: enhancing access to quality education and training opportunities for girls and women; promoting the generation and application of research evidence to inform education policy and practice; and strengthening FAWE Ghana’s institutional capacity and operational effectiveness.
In her address, H.E. Aïcha Bah Diallo emphasised the need for sustained commitment to bridging gender disparities in education across Africa. Dr Martha Muhwezi lauded Ghana’s efforts and reaffirmed FAWE Africa’s continued support to deepen impact, particularly in technical and vocational education.
The launch event brought together stakeholders from academia, government, civil society, and international development organisations, all united in advancing educational opportunities for girls.
With the commencement of Phase II, expectations are high for deepened collaboration between FAWE and Ghana’s Technical Universities, who are seen as strategic partners in reshaping the educational landscape and producing female graduates ready to lead in science, technology, engineering, and innovation.
“We are not merely investing in girls’ education; we are redefining the future of our nation,” Mr Amoani concluded.