BTA2023 United Bank for Africa (UBA) Ghana has honored the winners of its 10th National Essay Competition during an awards ceremony held on Monday, January 27, 2025, in Accra. The top three participants received a combined $10,000 in scholarship grants to support their tertiary education at any institution in Africa.
Out of over 400 submissions nationwide, 12 finalists were selected for their exceptional essays. The top three winners were:
- 🏆 Juanita Gobah (Legacy Girls’ College) – Grand Prize Winner ($5,000 scholarship)
- 🥈 Stephanie Ewurabena Aidoo (Wesley Girls’ High School) – Second Place ($3,000 scholarship)
- 🥉 Edmund Elikem McBilly (Accra Academy) – Third Place ($2,000 scholarship)
Finalists & Awards
The competition also celebrated the following finalists, who received brand-new laptops, certificates of participation, medals, and branded school bags from the UBA Foundation:
- Osei Kianna Agyapomaa (Yaa Asantewaa Girls’ SHS)
- Zoe Tetteh-Ashong (Legacy Girls’ College)
- Yahaya Muslima Nasara (Tamale SHS)
- Usman Ahmed Bashirudeen Katu (T.I. Ahmadiyya SHS)
- Alfred Kwaku Dankwa Kyeremeh (Osei Tutu SHS)
- Kofi Asamoah Asamoah-Okyere (Presbyterian Boys’ SHS)
- Derrick Twumasi Boahene (Presbyterian Boys’ SHS)
- Suhaila Katari Abdul-Nasir (Aburi Girls’ SHS)
- Daniella Denteh Ofori (Accra Girls’ SHS)
Topics Challenging the Next Generation
Participants tackled thought-provoking essay topics aimed at addressing global challenges:
“The Importance of Environmental Sustainability and Actions Young People Can Take in Combating Climate Change”
“How Can Agriculture Be Made More Attractive to Young People to Reduce Importation, Create Employment, and Drive Innovation?”
UBA Ghana’s Commitment to Education & Youth Empowerment
Speaking at the event, Uzoechina Molokwu, Managing Director/CEO of UBA Ghana, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering Africa’s youth through education.
“Under the visionary leadership of our Chairman, Tony Elumelu, UBA Group firmly believes that Africa’s future lies in the hands of its youth. Through initiatives like this, we are not only investing in individuals but also unlocking the immense potential of Africa as a whole.”
Molokwu revealed that over the past 10 years, UBA Ghana has invested more than $400,000 in this initiative, benefiting 30 winners who have pursued careers in medicine, business, and even within UBA Ghana itself.
Stakeholders Applaud UBA Ghana’s Impact
Sephina Soku Siaw, Program Officer at the Ghana Education Service (GES), commended UBA Ghana for its consistency in running the competition, recognizing its vital role in nurturing young talent and fostering critical thinking among students.
The awards ceremony saw attendance from UBA Ghana’s management team, representatives from participating schools, parents and guardians, GES officials, and the media.
Inspiring the Next Generation
UBA Ghana’s National Essay Competition continues to serve as a platform for academic excellence, encouraging students to think critically, engage with real-world issues, and develop innovative solutions.
With a decade of impact and a growing network of winners excelling in various fields, the competition stands as a beacon of hope for young minds eager to shape the future of Africa.
