Alhassan Umar Abaako, the Member of Parliament for Zabzugu, announced that he has disbursed more than GH¢300,000 to 300 tertiary students in the constituency. The funds were intended to ease the financial burden on students and their families amid the rising cost of tertiary education.
Applicants were selected from a pool of applications, with the MP stressing that the process was non‑discriminatory and did not consider political affiliation, ethnicity or religion. At the ceremony, Mr Abaako urged the beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies and to develop skills that could help them become self‑reliant after graduation.
“I want to urge you to take your studies seriously. Looking at the population of the country, government alone cannot employ everyone, and so I urge you to think outside the box when you complete your studies and not rely on government for employment,” he said.
The MP also cautioned the beneficiaries against drug abuse, warning that substance abuse could negatively affect their education and future prospects. “There is abuse of drugs now on the rise, and I want to urge you not to get yourselves into drug abuse. Zabzugu needs you. We are investing in you so that you can become responsible persons in the future,” he added.
District Chief Executive for Zabzugu highlighted government interventions aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and students, including the President’s No Fees Stress programme and the provision of sanitary pads for girls. He also noted that the District Assembly has constructed several school infrastructure projects across the district to improve education.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the support. One said, “I really appreciate the support, and I want to thank the MP for what he has done for us. Seriously, getting money to pay for hostels was my challenge this term, but what the MP has done, I believe it will ease the challenge.” Another noted, “As a continuing student, I am required to pay 50 per cent of my fees before I can register. The support from the MP has come at the right time.”
