COCOBOD Announces Scholarships for 3,000 Students as School Infrastructure and Safety Concerns Rise Nationally

6th August•3 min read•5 sources

The Ghanaian education sector has seen significant developments this week, ranging from a major expansion of student welfare programs to critical safety and housing interventions. The Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) has announced a revamped scholarship scheme targeting 3,000 wards of cocoa farmers for the upcoming academic season, specifically for those pursuing agriculture-related studies. This initiative, which aims to support 9,000 students by its third year, is part of a broader industry overhaul under the upcoming Ghana COCOBOD Bill, 2026. CEO Dr. Ransford Abbey emphasized that the selection process will be strictly merit-based and managed by a technical committee to ensure fairness for farmers' children, excluding COCOBOD staff members.

While welfare programs expand, infrastructure and safety remain pressing concerns for students. In the Upper West Region, a devastating fire at the Wa Islamic Senior High School girls' dormitory has displaced 138 students. Although the Ghana National Fire Service successfully contained the blaze—suspected to have been caused by an electrical fault—personal belongings were destroyed. Local authorities are currently working to complete a new facility to house the displaced learners. Simultaneously, in Koforidua, the Rent Control Commission and the Ghana Tourism Authority have shut down the Serwaa Heights and Adehye3 hostels. The closures follow serious complaints from Koforidua Technical University students regarding poor sanitation and unregistered operations, with authorities mandating refunds for all affected residents.

On the academic and professional development front, students and young professionals continue to reach new milestones. In the eighth edition of the Graphic Business Tertiary Sense Challenge, Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) and Pentecost University (PU) have both secured spots in the South-East Zone semi-finals. GCTU overcame Heritage Christian University with a score of 27-20, while PU edged out Valley View University in a 43-38 victory. Additionally, the inaugural D. A. Twum Jnr Fellowship was launched on August 4, 2026, inducting ten young professionals into a three-month mentorship program. The fellowship aims to groom future leaders in the advertising and marketing sectors, honoring the legacy of one of Ghana’s industry pioneers.

These developments highlight a dual focus within Ghana's educational landscape: the drive to enhance professional skills and academic excellence through competitions and fellowships, alongside the urgent need to address systemic issues in student safety and housing. As COCOBOD prepares to implement its new scholarship system and local assemblies work to house displaced students in Wa, regulatory bodies like the Ghana Tourism Authority are signaling a commitment to stricter enforcement of standards. The convergence of these events underscores the ongoing effort to ensure that the quality of campus life matches the high academic aspirations of the nation's learners.

This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.

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COCOBOD Announces Scholarships for 3,000 Students as School Infrastructure and Safety Concerns Rise Nationally

More from education

Obuasi East Assembly Supports SHS Fire Victims as Challenging Heights Strengthens Child Protection Governance

Local Leaders and Philanthropists Spearhead Educational Support in Jirapa and Ekumfi Municipalities

Youth Minister and Education Leaders Advocate for Values-Based Development and Growth Mindset in Ghana

CSIR-WRI Introduces Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture System to Boost Food Production and Sustainability