Serasa Foundation has successfully held the 2nd Annual Educational Excellence Awards 2026, recognising and supporting 24 outstanding Junior High School students from 20 schools in the Odoben Circuit.

The programme was held under the theme “Shaping Futures Through Academic Excellence” and brought together students, teachers, parents, education stakeholders and community leaders to celebrate the achievements of young people and encourage them to continue their education.

The 2nd annual educational excellence awards programme is part of Serasa Foundation’s commitment to supporting young people and promoting education in the community.

Serasa Foundation’s mission is to inspire and also encourage young people to pursue higher education, while its vision is to see every child, regardless of their background, given the opportunity and support to make a positive impact in their community and beyond.

While the first edition involved 12 schools, this year’s program brought together 20 schools, creating a wider platform to identify, recognize and encourage students who are performing well academically.

The participating schools included Odoben Islamic Basic School, Odoben Presbyterian Basic School for Boys and Girls, Odoben Methodist Basic School, Odoben A.M.E. Zion School, Odoben Roman Catholic Basic School, Odoben D/A Basic School, Odoben T.I. Ahmadiyya Basic School, New Hope Preparatory School, Odoben Saint Paul’s Academy, Uncle Sam Academy, Odoben Grassland International School, Odoben Community Complex, Nkwanta Eshiem D/A Basic School, Nankese Prof. Ike International School, Odokono Nkwanta Cornerstone Academy, Domeabra D/A Basic School, Tweredua D/A Basic School, Nankese D/A Basic School and Odoben Ama Fuah Basic School.

A total of 24 students were awarded during the programme. Each beneficiary received a trunk and mattress to support their preparation for second-cycle education.

The support was meant to go beyond celebrating their academic success by helping them with some of the basic items they need as they begin the next stage of their education.

One of the major highlights of the programme was the recognition of three students who emerged as the overall best students in the Odoben Circuit.

They were Nora Constance Mbadila of Grassland International School, Audrine Asiedu Botwey of Odoben Islamic School and Sharifa Nafiw Abdul of Odoben Islamic School. Each of the three students achieved an impressive aggregate 8.

The three overall best students received a medal, certificate and GH₵1,000 cash prize each, with the money designated as educational support to help them continue their academic journey.

Their achievement has become an example for other students in the community. It shows that with hard work, discipline and determination, young people can achieve great results regardless of the challenges they may face.

Speaking about the programme, Mr. Arthur Michael, Program Manager of Serasa Foundation, said the initiative was created to encourage students to take their education seriously and believe in their ability to succeed.

He said, “We believe every child has potential. Our role is to recognise that potential, encourage it and provide the support that can help students move forward. This programme is not only about giving awards. It is about telling our young people that their education matters and that they should continue to dream and work hard.”

Mr. Michael also said the growth of the programme from 12 schools in the first edition to 20 schools this year was encouraging and showed the need for more support for educational initiatives in the community.

The 2nd Annual Educational Excellence Awards were chaired by Hon. Alhaji Alhassan Kobina Ghansah, Member of Parliament for Asikuma Odoben Brakwa. In his remarks, the MP reaffirmed his willingness to work with Serasa Foundation and other stakeholders to support initiatives that benefit young people.

He said, “The development of our young people is a shared responsibility. Government, parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders all have a role to play. I commend Serasa Foundation for supporting our students, and I am willing to continue collaborating with them on programmes that promote education and create opportunities for our young people.”

The MP’s participation and commitment to collaboration added to the importance of the programme and highlighted the need for stronger partnerships to support education and young people in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa area.

For Serasa Foundation, the Educational Excellence Awards is not simply an annual ceremony. It is part of a wider effort to create a culture where students are encouraged to work hard, schools are recognised for their efforts and young people are given the support they need to continue their education.

The Foundation believes that every child deserves a chance to succeed. A student’s background should not stop them from dreaming of becoming a doctor, teacher, engineer, entrepreneur, scientist or community leader.

The support given to the 24 students is therefore both a reward for their achievement and an encouragement for the road ahead.

As the programme continues to grow, Serasa Foundation hopes to reach more schools, support more students and build stronger partnerships with parents, teachers, community leaders and other organizations.

Serasa Foundation — Be Inspired