By Daniel Y Dayee, Ntotrosu
NTOTROSU, 22 JUNE 2026
Mining equipment supplier Liebherr-Ghana Limited has awarded scholarships to three tertiary students from Newmont Ahafo Mine communities to support their studies in engineering and health sciences.
The 2026 NADeF/Liebherr Excellence Scholarship was presented yesterday at Ntotrosu through the Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF). Each beneficiary received
GHS 10,000to cover tuition, books, research, accommodation, and other academic expenses.
The beneficiaries
1. Dramani Bonsu – Geomatic Engineering, University of Mines and Technology (UMaT), Kenyasi No. 1
2. Vincent Opoku Karikari – Geomatic Engineering, UMaT, Kenyasi No. 2
3. Safo Nana Kwadwo – Level 400 Doctor of Pharmacy, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Afisipa
The students signed an undertaking committing to academic performance and proper use of the funds.
NADeF: 24 students supported since 2013
NADeF Executive Secretary Elizabeth Opoku-Darko* thanked Liebherr-Ghana Limited for the partnership. She said the scheme forms part of Newmont Goldcorp’s social responsibility to host communities.
“So far, 21 students from ten communities have benefitted from the NADeF Excellence Scholarship Award,” she said. “They include seven engineers, four medical professionals and one mathematician who have completed and are working across Ghana and beyond. Five more engineers and four medical professionals are still in school.”
Since 2013, NADeF has spent *GHS 250,000* on 24 beneficiaries from the Ahafo South and North Mine communities. “Newmont and NADeF are committed to developing mining communities not only in infrastructure but also in human resource development. It is about sustainable human development,” Opoku-Darko added.
She explained that funds will be paid directly into students’ personal bank accounts each semester and are strictly for academic use. “It is not for expensive phones,” she stressed. Universities will be notified that the students are on scholarship, and NADeF will monitor academic, social, and moral progress. This marks the 13th awards package for tertiary students from the communities.
Liebherr: Push for more female applicants
Samuel Allan Abbah, Manager of Liebherr-Ghana Limited, said the company’s philosophy of enhancing livelihoods aligns with NADeF’s goals. “It is part of our social responsibility and it aligns with our principles,” he said.
He noted the selection process is transparent and open to all ten Ahafo mine communities. The package, previously for one student, has been increased to three and is limited to Engineering, Mathematics and Science.
Abbah raised two concerns: “Out of 21 beneficiaries so far, only four are ladies. This is worrying. We want more ladies to be part. We expect next time all three awardees shall be ladies. This doesn’t mean we are going to lower the standards.”
He also urged beneficiaries to return to their communities after graduation. “It looks like they finish and find themselves working somewhere in the country or internationally. The essence of the scheme is to ensure beneficiaries return to improve the standard of living of members. As at now only 10% are working in the communities. We want you to have impact on the communities. The purpose of the scholarship must be achieved. It should not be directed to iPhone 17 Pro Max but your studies.”
Education directorate, traditional council weigh in
Asutifi North District Director of Education *Naomi Asantewaa* commended NADeF for its projects and urged the students to mentor younger pupils. “Come and inspire young ones through talks and teaching during your vacation periods because you serve as role models,” she said. She pledged to encourage more girls in schools to apply.
Nana Boakye Yiadom, Wirepemhene of Kenyasi Traditional Council, thanked Liebherr for investing in the area. “We shall be happy to have specialists from Ahafo communities when your names are mentioned, so do well to come back and work in the communities,” he told the students.
Students commit to terms
As part of the rules of engagement, beneficiaries will submit semester results and transcripts to NADeF for review to justify continued sponsorship.
Speaking for the group, Safo Nana Kwadwo expressed gratitude: “We are grateful to the company. We shall make sure the confidence reposed in us is justified.”