Dr. Apaak commends Colgate, Melcom for GH¢360k support for students and families

Deputy Minister for Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak, has commended Colgate-Palmolive Ghana and Melcom for committing GH¢360,000 in scholarships and shopping vouchers to support students and families under a nationwide education campaign.

The Colgate Scholarship Campaign, launched at the Fiesta Royale Hotel in Accra on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, comprises 16 scholarships worth GH¢15,000 each and GH¢120,000 in Melcom shopping vouchers for family welfare support.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. Apaak said the initiative would help ease the financial burden on families while supporting children to continue their education.

“I commend Colgate-Palmolive Ghana and Melcom for stepping forward to launch this nationwide initiative. This campaign is not only about scholarships. It is about something deeper. It is about hope, and it is about dignity,” he said.

The 16 scholarships, valued at GH¢240,000, will be paid directly to beneficiaries’ educational institutions to cover school fees, approved levies and educational materials.

Dr. Apaak said the arrangement would ensure that the funds were used for their intended purpose of keeping children in school.

“Sixteen grand scholarships of GHS 15,000 each, a total prize pool of GHS 240,000, will be awarded and paid directly to beneficiaries’ educational institutions, to cover school fees, approved levies and educational materials,” he said.

The campaign also includes GH¢120,000 in Melcom shopping vouchers to help families meet essential household needs and purchase school supplies during what Dr. Apaak described as one of the most financially demanding periods of the school calendar.

Beyond the financial support, the initiative features school visits to recognise students’ achievements and encourage a culture of excellence among learners.

Dr. Apaak welcomed this component, saying it would help students appreciate that their efforts and accomplishments were recognised.

“These visits go beyond one-off gestures. They build a culture of excellence, and they tell our children that their achievements are seen and celebrated,” he said.

The Deputy Minister situated the initiative within Ghana’s broader commitment to expanding access to education, citing Article 25 of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees equal educational opportunities and facilities and provides that basic education shall be free, compulsory and available to all.

“Education, therefore, is not a privilege. It is a right,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of private-sector partnerships in complementing government efforts to address the needs of learners and their families.

“But government alone cannot do this. We need partners. We need champions. We need initiatives like this one,” Dr. Apaak said.

The campaign will run until December 13, 2026. Parents and guardians can participate by purchasing participating Colgate products at any Melcom store nationwide, scanning the campaign’s QR code and nominating a student.

Dr. Apaak urged parents and guardians to take advantage of the initiative, noting that participation could provide students with an opportunity to receive educational assistance while offering families additional welfare support.