The King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, has extended financial support amounting to GHc 250,000 to 105 brilliant but needy tertiary students from Gonjaland.
The presentation formed part of the activities of the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund and took place at the Jakpa Palace on Friday, September 18, 2026, in the presence of some sub-chiefs and queen mothers of the Gonja Kingdom.
Addressing the beneficiaries, HRM Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I expressed appreciation to individuals and organizations that had contributed to the establishment and growth of the educational fund.
He urged the beneficiaries to consider the financial assistance as an opportunity to pursue their education with determination and seriousness.
The King further encouraged them to work hard and, after attaining their educational and career goals, support other young people in Gonjaland in the same way they had been supported.
He also advised female beneficiaries to remain focused on their education and avoid distractions that could derail their academic ambitions, stressing the importance of education in preparing them for leadership roles in the future.
Several chiefs who attended the ceremony also took turns to advise the students to remain disciplined, dedicated and committed to their studies.
Speaking to the media after the engagement, the Public Relations Officer of the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund, Mankir Ibn Malik, said the initiative was established in 2023 under the leadership of Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale, who identified poverty as one of the major barriers preventing young people from Gonjaland from pursuing higher education.
According to him, the fund was established to support brilliant but needy students from Gonjaland to achieve their educational aspirations.
He explained that the latest intervention followed the receipt of more than 200 applications, after which a committee was constituted to interview applicants and identify students who met the fund’s criteria.
The committee, chaired by Chief Abdulah Ahmed Monor , eventually selected 105 beneficiaries.
Mr. Ibn Malik said the management of the fund accepted the committee’s recommendations without alteration, having confidence in the diligence of the selection process.
He emphasized that none of the beneficiaries was a member of the Bii-Kunuto family, noting that the selection was based on the needs and circumstances of applicants from across Gonjaland.
The PRO disclosed that the beneficiaries are pursuing programmes in various fields, including education, health, law, medicine and PhD programmes.
He added that the fund had also taken a special interest in students studying the Gonja language, following concerns over declining interest in the programme.
According to him, students who enroll to study the Gonja language will receive support from the fund as part of efforts to preserve and promote the language among the younger generation.
Mr. Ibn Malik further revealed that the fund had previously supported tertiary students and undertaken other educational interventions.
He cited the support provided to more than 60 students in 2024 at a cost of about GH¢200,000, as well as the establishment of a Guidance and Counselling Project at Damongo Senior High School.
He also mentioned the fund’s support for three students from Gonjaland who are currently studying medicine in China.
The PRO appealed to government officials and other stakeholders who pledged support to the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund during its launch to fulfil their commitments.
He said such contributions would enable the fund to expand its interventions and reach more brilliant but needy students across Gonjaland.
Mr. Ibn Malik stressed that the fund remained open to support from individuals, organizations and institutions, emphasizing that any contribution would ultimately benefit the people of Gonjaland.
He said the latest disbursement was only one of several interventions being undertaken by the fund, with more initiatives expected in the future.
The Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund continues to position education as a key avenue for empowering young people from Gonjaland and preparing them to contribute meaningfully to the development of their communities.
Source: Padfm.com.gh/Kumatey Gorden/0243531604
