MTN Ghana has awarded 500 scholarships to students pursuing science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), vocational and technical programmes, as well as teachers seeking further qualifications in related fields.
The scholarships, awarded at the 2026 MTN Bright Scholarship Awards in Accra on Thursday, are part of the MTN Ghana Foundation’s efforts to remove financial barriers to education and develop Ghana’s human capital.
Of the 500 beneficiaries, 300 are students pursuing tertiary education, while 200 are teachers pursuing further qualifications in STEM, vocational and technical education.
Each scholarship package covers tuition and accommodation and includes a laptop and stipend.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said the scholarships were intended to ensure that financial difficulties did not end the educational ambitions of talented young Ghanaians.
“For me, every single scholarship represents a person. Today, we celebrate what becomes possible when a dream gets a chance,” he said.
Mr Blewett said 5,194 people had applied for the scholarships, with 2,000 applicants interviewed before the final 500 were selected.
He said 14 persons with disabilities were among this year’s beneficiaries, stressing that the programme was designed to provide opportunities to deserving young people irrespective of their circumstances.
Removing barriers
Mr Blewett illustrated the impact of the scholarship programme with the story of a beneficiary who spent a year at home after completing the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) because his family could not afford university fees.
With support from the MTN Ghana Foundation, the student subsequently enrolled at the University for Development Studies (UDS), where he graduated with distinction and received recognition as the overall best male graduate in Pharmacy, with special recognition for his performance in herbal medicine.
“The talent was already there for this young man, and so was the determination. The scholarship helped remove the financial barrier standing in his way,” he said.
Mr Blewett said the MTN Bright Scholarship programme, which began in 2018, had so far awarded 1,220 scholarships, producing 17 valedictorians and 299 first-class graduates.
He said eight valedictorians and four other award winners had emerged from this year’s beneficiaries.
Mr Blewett, further urged the beneficiaries to use their education to solve problems and create opportunities for others.
He cautioned students against allowing artificial intelligence to replace critical thinking, urging them to use technology as a support tool rather than allowing it to do their academic work for them.
“Look for problems you can help solve. That problem-solving ability will take you far in your career, whether you work for an organisation, pursue a profession or establish your own company,” he said.
As part of MTN Ghana’s 30th anniversary celebrations, Mr Blewett said the scholarship programme represented the company’s commitment to investing in the next generation.
“As we celebrate 30 years of MTN Ghana, there is no better way to look ahead than to help the next generation move forward,” he said
Education investment
The Deputy Minister for Education, Dr Clement Abas Apaak, said the government recognised the importance of partnerships with the private sector in expanding access to quality education.
He said although Ghana had made significant progress in improving access to education, many talented young people continued to face financial challenges that prevented them from pursuing their academic ambitions.
“This is why programmes such as the MTN Bright Scholarship Scheme matter,” he said.
Dr Apaak said the programme not only provided financial assistance but also “inspires hope, rewards excellence and demonstrates confidence in the ability of Ghana’s youth.”
He said the government was also backing its commitment to education with increased financial allocations.
According to him, the 2025 Budget allocated GH¢42.16 billion to education from government resources, the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and development partners, including GH¢9.1 billion for basic education.
He said the 2026 Budget had further allocated GH¢300 million to support continuing scholarship beneficiaries and new local and international scholarship awards.
Dr Apaak also noted the government’s No Fees Stress policy, which he said was intended to ensure that no first-year tertiary student was denied access to education because their parents could not afford admission fees.
He said the Minister for Education was engaging the Minister for Finance to ensure the timely release of funds to tertiary institutions under the policy.
Private sector role
The Deputy Minister said the government could not shoulder the responsibility of expanding educational opportunities alone and called for stronger collaboration between the state and private sector.
“The message is clear: government and the private sector must work hand in hand to expand opportunities for our young people,” he said.
Dr Apaak urged the scholarship beneficiaries to regard the awards not only as recognition for their academic performance but also as a responsibility to contribute to national development.
“Let this scholarship be both a reward and a responsibility. Stay focused. Stay disciplined. Use this opportunity well,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to aspire to become leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, educators, scientists, engineers, healthcare professionals and other professionals needed to drive Ghana’s development.
Investment in the future
Dr Apaak commended MTN Ghana and the MTN Ghana Foundation for what he described as responsible corporate citizenship and urged other businesses to establish similar initiatives.
“Every scholarship awarded is more than support for one student. It is an investment in the workforce, leadership and expertise our nation needs for tomorrow,” he said.
