The Tropical Students Support Initiative (TSSI), formerly known as Tropical Saint Anthony’s Foundation, is calling on qualified undergraduate students pursuing their studies from this academic year to put in an application.
Established in May 2010 to provide scholarships to needy students who have applied to study or are studying at the University of Ghana (UG), the TSSI is a charitable organisation set up by Tropical Cable and Conductor Limited (TCCL) and the Oteng-Gyasi Family.
Purpose of foundation
The objective of the foundation is primarily to assist financially handicapped students from deprived communities who have been admitted to the University of Ghana to pursue undergraduate programmes with special emphasis on Science.
This is because the board of trustees believe that in this era of technology, the only way forward for the country is to increase capacity in science and technology in order to keep pace with global trends and remain relevant and competitive.
“This objective may, however, be expanded to include other charitable initiatives in education as determined by the Board of trustees from time-to-time,” the Administrator ßof the fund, Ms Margaret Eson-Benjamin, explained to the Daily Graphic.
Experienced Board of Trustees
The Tropical Students Support Initiative is run by a highly experienced board of trustees who have been selected on the basis of their rich professional experience and common interest in ensuring that as many young people as possible have access to tertiary education.
It is chaired by the Managing Director of TCCL, Mr Anthony Oteng-Gyasi, with Mr Alfred Teddy Konu and former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Clifford Nii Boi Tagoe, as members.
The administrator said the foundation selected 10 beneficiaries every year from each of the 10 regions in Ghana. They were selected from the Ghana Education Service’s list of less-endowed schools.
“However, this year, applications are open to needy students who have gained admission to the University of Ghana”, she added.
Since 2010, about 60 students have benefited from the initiative with some of them working in well-established organisations.
Testimonials
Mr Elvis Agbesi Agbenyegah, who received a BSc Accounting degree (2010 – 2014) at UG is now a Finance Officer at Havilah Oil Ghana Ltd. He said the foundation paid his academic and residential facility user fees throughout the entire four years of his studies.
“I believe the expression ‘Show a man how to catch a fish, and you feed him for a lifetime’ captures precisely the objectives of the TSSI. Being a beneficiary of TSSI did not only guarantee a successful completion of my undergraduate degree programme, but it also prepared me to face the future with fearless confidence.”
Ms Elizabeth Korkor Otuteye, a Bachelor of Arts scholar (2010 – 2014), is now serving as a management trainee at Beige Capital.
She said, “life was difficult growing up in Akplabanya, my hometown located along the Ada coast. Sheer academic talent was inadequate to ensure a successful life as my parents did not have the financial resources to support my talent.
“The offer of a scholarship from TSSI offset most of my college expenses. I am not where I wish to be today but my life is certainly better than what it would have been without the opportunity of a successful university education support offered by TSSI,” she stated.
Quick read
The objective of the Tropical Students Support Initiative, is primarily to assist financially handicapped students from deprived communities, who have been admitted to the University of Ghana, to pursue undergraduate programmes with special emphasis on Science.