By Stanley Kwabla Arku
Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana, on Sunday inducted 400 students into his Ketu North Scholar Scheme, in a move that continues to place education at the centre of development efforts in the constituency.
The ceremony, held in Dzodze, marked the second cohort of beneficiaries under the initiative and drew a large gathering of students, parents, traditional leaders and invited guests.
Addressing the event, Mr Agbana said the scheme is a direct response to the financial challenges that prevent many qualified students from accessing tertiary education.
“We cannot build the future we want if our young people are left behind because of money. This intervention is to make sure that does not happen in Ketu North,” he said.
Launched in 2025, the Ketu North Scholar Scheme supported more than 300 students in its first year, with scholarships valued at over GH¢1.3 million. This year, 786 students applied, with 400 selected after a competitive screening and interview process.
Mr Agbana said the growing interest in the programme reflects both the demand for support and confidence in its fairness.
“When you see the numbers increasing, it tells you two things the need is real, and people believe in what we are doing,” he noted.
He urged beneficiaries to take their academic work seriously and justify the opportunity given to them.
“This support comes with responsibility. You must stay focused, work hard, and make this constituency proud,” he said.
The event was attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), and Member of Parliament for Gomoa Central, Kwame Asare Obeng.
Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as Kwame A Plus, in his remarks, stressed the importance of collaboration between constituencies, revealing ongoing efforts to build cooperation between his constituency and Ketu North.
“What is happening here should not stand alone. There is the need for us to work together so that more young people across different constituencies can benefit,” he said.
The DVLA CEO described the initiative as timely, noting that investments in education have long-term national benefits.
“When leadership focuses on people in this way, it creates real impact. Education remains one of the strongest tools for national development,” he said.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association also commended Mr Agbana for sustaining the programme and expanding its reach.
For the beneficiaries, the moment carried both relief and renewed determination.
“This has taken a big burden off my family. Now I can concentrate on my studies,” one student said.
Another added, “It gives me confidence to continue. I feel encouraged to do more.”
Mr Agbana said the scheme will continue to grow to accommodate more students in the years ahead.
“This is not a one-time effort. We will keep pushing to ensure that every deserving student gets the chance to go further,” he said.
As the second cohort joins the programme, the Ketu North Scholar Scheme continues to shape access to education in the constituency, with a clear focus on ensuring that financial constraints do not stand in the way of academic progress.