Australian Ambassador hosts winners of Scholasrhip Scheme

By Kwamina Tandoh, GNA
Accra, Oct 26, GNA - Mr Andrew Barnes, the Australian Ambassador to Ghana, has admonished the beneficiaries of the 2017 Australian Scholarship Awards to study hard as they set off for studies in that country.

'We have very high hopes' as the awardees go for this fully funded scholarship,' he said.

'We look forward to you coming back to your countries and making a great contribution to the development.'

Mr Barnes was speaking at a pre-departure reception at his residence in Accra, on Wednesday, for the awardees.

Fourteen Ghanaians and two Sierra Leoneans have been granted scholarships to pursue Master's Degree programmes in Australia under the Australia Scholarship Scheme.

The awardees were part of 144 beneficiaries selected from 11 African countries.

Members of Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, as well as Alumni with Ghanaian Government officials graced the event.

Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mr Isaac Sam, expressed much appreciation to the Australian Government, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Africa and the Palladium Group, for their support.

Mr Setor Yaw Adanuvor, the Assistant Director of the Scholarship Secretariat in Accra, said Ghana was among the countries, which had most of the awards this year, with 14 awardees.

Mr Frederick Nsatimba, the President of the Alumni of the Australian Scholarship, told the 2017 scholars to put in their best to maintain the integrity of the scholarship.

Australia Awards - Africa, is a programme of the Australian Government, which provides postgraduate training opportunities for African professionals.

The application process is open and competitive, providing equal opportunity regardless of gender, ethnicity or disability.

The latest round of Australia Awards Scholarships and Short Courses closes on 15 December 2016 and 15 January 2017, respectively

GNA