The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) recently launched its anniversary celebration to commemorate a decade of commitment to providing educational opportunities to talented students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. The event, which was held on Friday, 4th April 2025, brought together top university officials, including the Vice-Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Provosts, Registrars, and Directors, Program staff, Scholars and Scholar Alumni to celebrate this significant milestone.
Key Highlights of the Launch
Prof. Kofi Owusu-Daaku, the Coordinating Lead, Mastercard Foundation Programs and Principal Investigator, Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST, provided a comprehensive overview of the Program at KNUST’s history, highlighting key stakeholders and partners who have contributed to its success. He expressed gratitude to the university administration, faculty members, and staff for their unwavering support and dedication to the Program’s vision. Prof. Owusu-Daaku also acknowledged the Scholars and Alumni for their hard work, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, delivered the keynote address on KNUST’s partnership with the Mastercard Foundation. She commended the CEO, Madam Reeta Roy, and her team for their vision, leadership, and selfless dedication to the Program’s goals. The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the achievements of the Program at KNUST which included the number of beneficiaries, academic outcomes, and community impact. She then proceeded to encourage stakeholders to continually support and collaborate with the Program at KNUST to make its targeted dream become a reality.
Prof. Rita Akosua Dickson made an exciting projection for the Program and expressed an unwavering desire to have more Phases of the Program approved by the Foundation. This will help to continually extend the transformative journey to more young individuals to build resilient, courageous, and ethical leaders who will champion the future of community development and societal change.
“As the Program celebrates its 10-year anniversary, the University and the Mastercard Foundation are looking to the future, committed to continuing their partnership and supporting the next generation of leaders. The anniversary celebration promises to be an exciting and reflective occasion, honoring the Program’s journey and looking forward to the next chapter in its history.” – Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson.
Unveiling the Anniversary Emblem and Theme
The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the anniversary emblem, which symbolizes the Program at KNUST’s commitment to transform, impact lives and foster societal transformation through all-inclusive education. The Vice Chancellor also announced the theme of the anniversary celebration, “Celebrating A Decade of Transformation and Impacting Lives.” This theme captures the essence of the Program’s mission and achievements over the past decade.
The 10-year milestone (2013 – 2023) marks a significant achievement in the Program’s history, with numerous lives transformed and communities impacted. The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at KNUST has provided educational opportunities to thousands of Scholars by empowering them to become leaders and change-makers. The Program’s impact extends beyond the University, with many Scholars contributing to the development of their communities.
Quotes from Key Stakeholders
“The Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program has been a game-changer for our university and the communities we serve. We are grateful for the support and partnership of the Mastercard Foundation and look forward to continuing our work together.” – Prof. Mrs. Rita Akosua Dickson, Vice Chancellor, KNUST
“The past decade has been an incredible journey, and we are proud of the achievements of our Scholars. We are committed to continuing our support and partnership with KNUST to empower the next generation of leaders.” – Prof. Kofi Owusu-Daaku, Lead.