The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has made a substantial contribution of One Hundred Thousand Ghana Cedis (GHS 100,000.00) to the Students Financial Aid Scheme at the University for Development Studies (UDS). This significant donation follows a request from the Office of the Dean of Students’ Affairs, aiming to increase support for the scheme and extend assistance to more students in need.

Presenting the donation, Mr. Michael Achagwe Luguje, Director-General of GPHA, emphasized the critical role of education in national development. "Education is the single most important investment any nation can make for its people," Mr. Luguje remarked. "By supporting the educational journey of students today, we are laying the foundation for a transformative workforce that will drive Ghana’s growth tomorrow." He added that GPHA is pleased to partner with UDS to assist financially disadvantaged but academically gifted students and urged the university to ensure the funds reach the students who need them most.

Dr. Alhassan Musah, Dean of Students’ Affairs at UDS, acknowledged the importance of GPHA’s support, highlighting that the financial burden has increasingly hindered some students from reaching their academic potential. “A growing number of our students are finding it challenging to cover their educational expenses, which inevitably affects their performance,” Dr. Musah noted. “The Financial Aid Scheme was established to address these needs, and a localized program like ours is uniquely suited to respond to the specific challenges our students face.”

Dr. Musah assured GPHA that UDS has established a robust selection process, with a broad-based panel that will carefully assess applicants to ensure the funds benefit the neediest and most deserving students. "We have an extensive evaluation system to identify and prioritize students facing the greatest financial challenges, so that this donation can make the maximum possible impact,” he stated.

Expressing his appreciation, Professor Seidu Al-Hassan, Vice-Chancellor of UDS, applauded GPHA for its dedication to corporate social responsibility. "This donation is not just an investment in students but a partnership that enhances the university's mission to provide accessible education to all," Professor Al-hassan remarked. He emphasized the significance of such collaborations in helping UDS fulfill its mission to produce graduates who are prepared to contribute meaningfully to society. “We are grateful for GPHA’s support and are eager to explore further collaborations that will enrich the student experience here at UDS.”

Professor Al-hassan assured the Director-General and the GPHA team that UDS has the necessary systems in place to manage and disburse the funds responsibly, ensuring they serve the intended purpose. He expressed optimism about the impact of the donation, noting that “this partnership not only supports our students financially but also strengthens our shared commitment to the nation’s development.”