Announcing the end of its long-running scholarship program, the Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) cited the government’s execution of the Free Senior High School (SHS) project.
The board replaced it with the Cocoa Board Education Trust, which aims to give underprivileged communities that grow cocoa access to basic school infrastructure.
The impact of the Free SHS plan, according to board chairman Peter Mac Manu, made the decision to end the scholarship program essential. It’s time for us to change and progress in light of the Akufo-Addo administration’s introduction of free SHS.
He clarified, “The COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme has naturally lost its basic aim, while being a famous and beneficial initiative.
For many years, the COCOBOD Scholarship Scheme has supported students from areas that grow cocoa by offering financial assistance.
However, the board has chosen to refocus its funding in order to provide basic school infrastructure in underprivileged communities in light of the launch of the Free SHS policy.
The board has launched the Cocoa Board Education Trust, which intends to build model elementary schools in cocoa-growing areas.
Peter Mac Manu claims that the trust is evidence of the board’s steadfast dedication to the prosperity and welfare of cocoa producers and their offspring.
“As we say goodbye to the Scholarship Scheme, we must look ahead and give the cocoa farmer community’s ongoing educational growth first priority. The board of directors resolved to create the Ghana Cocoa Board Education Trust in order to carry out this aim.
Our steadfast dedication to the success and welfare of cocoa growers and their offspring is demonstrated by this trust. The provision of basic school facilities in underprivileged cocoa-growing communities is the Education Trust’s principal goal, he stated.
