The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Amansie West in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Prince Manu Morrison, has banned minors (children under 18 years) from engaging in mining activities.

This forms part of measures being taken by the DCE and the Assembly to ensure that students in the area focus on their education instead of resorting to illegal mining.

Hon. Prince Manu Morrison made this known at a ceremony during which the management of Asanko Gold Mine Ltd presented a scholarship package covering tuition, accommodation, and other approved academic expenses to 35 tertiary students, with each student receiving support of up to GH¢10,000.

The initiative forms part of Asanko Gold Ghana’s five-year Social and Economic Development Plan (SEDEP), which focuses on education and long-term community development across its host communities.

For many beneficiaries and their families, the support comes at a critical time.

One of the beneficiaries, Millicent Frimpong from Manso Fahiakobo, who is pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at KNUST, said financial challenges nearly derailed her educational journey, with her family relying on loans and personal sacrifices to support her studies.

Hon. Prince Manu Morrison encouraged students to remain committed to their education, noting its importance in creating opportunities and supporting long-term community development.

Speaking on behalf of the General Manager of the mine, Social Responsibility Manager Dr. Isaac Kwakye said the initiative seeks to remove financial barriers that prevent young people with big dreams from pursuing tertiary education.

“Through this initiative, we hope to ease the financial burden that can sometimes stand in the way of talented and hardworking young people pursuing tertiary education,” he said.

Beneficiaries are selected through a collaborative process involving District Education Directorates, traditional leaders, District Assemblies, and Asanko Gold Mine to ensure fairness and representation across host communities.

The Amansie West District Chief Executive, Prince Manu Morrison, also encouraged students to remain committed to education, noting its importance in creating opportunities and supporting long-term community development.

This year’s ceremony highlighted the programme’s continued support for students already progressing in their academic journey, while also opening opportunities for a new group of beneficiaries.