The Newmont Ahafo Development Foundation (NADeF), in partnership with Liebherr—one of Newmont Ghana Gold Limited’s on-site contractors—continues to shape the futures of young people across Ahafo’s host communities. Since its inception in 2013, the NADeF/Liebherr Scholarship has supported talented students in fields such as medicine, mining, engineering, and education, helping them pursue careers that are vital to national development.
On Thursday, October 2, 2025, three outstanding undergraduate science students were honoured at the 2025 NADeF/Liebherr Excellence Scholarship Awards held in Ntotroso. The new beneficiaries are Bezaleel Kwaku Mensah, a Medicine and Surgery student at the University of Health and Allied Sciences; Awuni Simon, who studies Pharmacy Technology at Sunyani Technical University; and Joseph Amofa, pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.
Over the past twelve years, 18 students from Newmont’s Ahafo host communities have received full financial support through the initiative. What began as a corporate social responsibility collaboration has grown into a powerful driver of human capital development, producing professionals who are contributing significantly to Ghana’s progress.
The success story began in 2013 with the first beneficiary, Elijah Boateng of Terchire, who studied Mining Engineering at the University of Mines and Technology. He is now pursuing a master’s degree in the United States, exemplifying the scholarship’s capacity to nurture globally competitive talent.
Following his trailblazing path, other beneficiaries have excelled in their respective fields. Dr. Beatrice Obeng Konama from Gyedu, a 2014 awardee, is now a Specialist in Internal Medicine at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. Dr. Gottifred William Opoku Kumi, supported in 2015, practices at Nyaho Medical Centre in Accra, while 2017 recipient Dr. Obed Asante Antwi serves at the Sunyani Teaching Hospital.
The impact extends beyond medicine and mining. In 2016, Vivian Mansah of Adrobaa received support to study Mathematics at the University of Education, Winneba, and now teaches at Sankore Senior High School. Other beneficiaries—such as Mining Engineer Emmanuel Addo, Medical Laboratory Scientist Fatimatu Abdulia, and Computer Engineering student Kwartemaa Bernice Ewurabena—are making strides in diverse and emerging fields.
Recent cohorts from 2023 and 2024 include students studying Environmental and Safety Engineering, Pharmacy Technology, and Medicine, ensuring a sustained pipeline of skilled professionals for Ghana’s future workforce.
Beyond the individual success stories, the scholarship has brought transformative change to entire communities. As beneficiaries progress in their careers, they uplift their families, serve as role models, and contribute to the socioeconomic development of the Ahafo region.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Professor Yaw Ofosu-Kusi, Chairman of the NADeF Board of Trustees, expressed appreciation to Liebherr for its long-standing collaboration in building local talent. He emphasized that the initiative has produced professionals in medicine, engineering, mathematics, renewable energy, and laboratory science, many of whom now serve both locally and abroad.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi noted that NADeF works with companies operating within Newmont’s host communities to provide academic scholarships and apprenticeship opportunities for young people. He described the Excellence Scholarship as a strategic effort to ensure that brilliant science students are not held back by financial limitations. He also encouraged the beneficiaries to fulfil their pledge to return and support their communities after completing their education.
Echoing this call, Mr. Samuel Allan Abban, Vendor Held Stock Manager at Liebherr Ghana Limited, congratulated the awardees and reaffirmed Liebherr’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to Newmont’s host communities.
Prof. Ofosu-Kusi further highlighted that human resource development remains the largest investment area under NADeF’s community development initiatives, representing 28 percent of its total funding allocation.
As the latest awardees, Awuni Simon, Bezaleel Kwaku Mensah, and Joseph Amofa—advance in their studies, they join a growing network of scholars whose journeys began with opportunity and determination.
For more than a decade, the NADeF/Liebherr Scholarship has demonstrated that when corporate social responsibility is rooted in genuine partnership, education becomes a catalyst for long-term community transformation.
