THE MAIDEN HON. OBEI’S FUNDED DREAM SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING 2025 JHS GRADUATES

10/18/2025

The Member of Parliament for the Daboya-Mankarigu Constituency, Hon. Shaibu Mahama Obei, has officially launched and presented awards under his newly established “Hon. Obei’s Funded Dream Scholarship” initiative. This scholarship recognizes and rewards the top three Junior High School (JHS) graduates from each school across the North Gonja District.

The Awards

Each awardee received the following:

  1. A scientific calculator

  2. A mathematical set, exercise books, and pens

  3. Core textbooks in Mathematics, Science, English, and Social Studies — based on the new curriculum and authored by Aki Ola and other renowned writers

  4. A cash amount of GH₵500 to purchase elective subject textbooks

On average, the MP spent GH₵1,870 on each of the top three students from the sixteen (16) public JHSs in the district. In instances where four or five students obtained the same aggregate score, all were included, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to 52 students.

Additionally, three students from Hadakai JHS, who were not listed in the official Ghana Education Service (GES) records, each received support worth GH₵1,000—a gesture that highlights Hon. Obei’s compassion and responsiveness.

Message from the MP

In his address, Hon. Obei urged the awardees to remain focused and dedicated to their studies, emphasizing that Senior High School (SHS) represents a pivotal phase in their academic journey.

“Don’t dwell on your JHS results. SHS is a fresh beginning—one that can change your story. I’ve seen students with weak BECE grades excel in SHS and beyond through determination and focus,” he stated.

He pledged full tertiary scholarships to all scholarship awardees who gain university admission, encouraging them to remain humble, avoid negative influences, stay away from substance abuse, and remain spiritually grounded.

Launch of the Funded Dream Scholarship Scheme

Officially launching the scheme, Hon. Obei explained the motivation behind it:

“Many children in our district dream of becoming doctors, engineers, teachers, lawyers, pharmacists, and accountants. But for many, these dreams die because of financial hardship. I decided to fund dreams, in my own small way, to help make them a reality.”

Interested students can learn more and apply for support via: www.dreamwithobei.com

Scholarship Scheme Components

1. Financial Support

For JHS Graduates

  • Core subject textbooks

  • GH₵500 for elective textbooks

  • Scientific calculator, math set, and stationery

  • GH₵1,000 support each in 2nd and 3rd years of SHS

  • Automatic entry into the tertiary scholarship scheme

For University Students

  • 10 students in public universities or colleges will receive full scholarships (minimum GH₵4,000 per annum)

  • Other students will receive support of at least GH₵1,000

  • Students from the district studying Medicine or Engineering in public universities will receive full coverage, including tuition and accommodation

“Dream big and go for science and engineering programs—Funded Dream Scholarship has got you covered.”

For Graduate Students

  • Three MPhil students will receive full scholarships each year (minimum GH₵10,000 annually)

  • PhD candidates will receive assistance with admission and scholarships, plus a minimum of GH₵15,000 annually from the Funded Dream scheme

2. Mentorship Program (Launching 2026)

Beginning 2026, 15 outstanding upper primary school pupils will be selected for a Science and Technology mentorship program in collaboration with GES.

Benefits Include:

  1. Learning materials and motivational support

  2. Robotics and coding classes

  3. Educational trips across Ghana during school breaks

Performance will be monitored throughout the mentorship journey—from primary through SHS and university, up to PhD level. Parents unwilling to support their children’s learning may see their wards removed from the program.

This long-term vision aims to nurture high-caliber intellectuals from the North Gonja District.

Sustainability Plan

Hon. Obei emphasized that the Funded Dream Scholarship must outlive his political tenure. To ensure transparency and fairness, an Independent Scholarship Council will be established to manage the scheme.

Funding Sources

The scholarship scheme will be funded through:

  1. The MP’s share of GETFund and District Common Fund

  2. Support from corporate bodies

  3. Donations from NGOs and international development partners

  4. Voluntary contributions from adults and households in the district

State of Education in the District

The MP expressed concern over the district’s poor academic performance in the 2025 BECE and previous years, describing the situation as a crisis.

Citing the 2023 Ghana Statistical Service report, he revealed that 77.3% of residents in North Gonja District cannot read or write.

He called for an education stakeholders’ forum on November 3, 2025, to discuss and develop practical solutions to these challenges.

Top 2025 BECE Performers (By School)

School Aggregate

Pentecost Basic 21,  Lingbinsi St. Peter’s RC JHS 27,  Tari No.1 JHS 28,  Hadhakai JHS 28,  Daboya Girls Model JHS 29,  Taribiat EA JHS 29,  Lingbinsi Presby JHS 30,  Markazia EA JHS 32,  Daboya DA JHS 33,  Asafo JHS 35,  Lingbinsi SDA JHS 35,  Wasipe JHS 36,  Mankarigu DA JHS 36,  Bawena DA JHS 37,  Yagbon No.2 DA JHS 37,  Lukula JHS 40,  Kagbal DA JHS 47

Hon. Obei described these statistics as "alarming and unacceptable", calling for urgent and collaborative interventions.

Community Remarks

Speakers at the launch praised Hon. Obei for prioritizing educational tools over traditional donation items like chop boxes or mattresses. They applauded his commitment to academic excellence and urged students to honor the investment by working hard and making the district proud.

Attendance

The event was graced by:

  • The District Chief Executive

  • The District Education Director (Chairman of the Occasion)

  • Headmaster, Daboya Community SHS

  • Officials from the Ghana Education Service (GES)

  • Hon. Sammy Wusah, former MP

  • Alhaji Dr. Tigwe Salifu, Lecturer, University for Development Studies

  • Rev. Bismark Tetteh Boateng, a respected clergyman in the district

  • Representatives from TEIN, Savannah College of Education, and SRC

  • Delegates from the Wasipewura’s Palace

  • Parents of awardees and community members

Guests were treated to lunch and refreshments after the event.

Conclusion

Together, we can make dreams come true.

Long live North Gonja District!
Long live Ghana!

Thank you, and may Allah bless us all.

Signed:
Sidik Jabaru John (JJ)
NDC Communications Officer & MP’s PRO

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