UESD, Maleka Farms launch aquaculture scholarship

By Kamal Ahmed

Somanya (E/R), Sept 18, GNA – The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD), Somanya in the eastern region, has partnered with Maleka Farms Limited to provide financial support to outstanding but financially challenged students pursuing aquaculture studies.

The scholarship, known as the Maleka Excellence Scholarship for Aquaculture Students (MESAS), will support eligible Ghanaian students in Levels 100, 200 and 300 of the Department of Water Resources and Aquaculture Management.

The initiative is expected to ease the financial burden on students and enable them to pursue their studies while developing skills required to contribute to Ghana’s aquaculture industry.

The scholarship programme was established through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between UESD and Maleka Farms Limited, based at Kadjena, near Akuse.

At the signing ceremony at the UESD Auditorium, Professor Eric Nyarko-Sampson, the Vice-Chancellor of UESD, described the scholarship as an important opportunity for students facing financial difficulties.

He urged beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and maintain the academic standards required to retain the scholarship.

Prof. Nyarko-Sampson said the University was committed to preparing students for the world of work by equipping them with practical skills to become self-reliant, create employment and contribute to national development.

“UESD was also seeking to establish itself as a centre of excellence for aquaculture studies and urged students to take advantage of opportunities created through partnerships with industry,” he added.

Prof. Anthony Amoah, the Dean of the School of Sustainable Development, said the scholarship would cover approved academic facility user fees for successful applicants.

He said applicants would be assessed based on academic performance, financial need, good character and genuine interest in aquaculture.

“The programme would commence in the 2026/27 academic year and was initially expected to run for five years, subject to periodic review and availability of resources.”

He said scholarship beneficiaries would also have opportunities for internships, practical training and mentorship at Maleka Farms, giving them exposure to the aquaculture industry.

Mr Mark Aboujaoude, Director of Operations at Maleka Farms, said the company was committed to supporting education, research and innovation in agriculture and aquaculture.

He said the partnership would provide students and researchers with opportunities to undertake practical work in areas such as fish breeding, feed development, water quality management, disease prevention and sustainable fish production.

The Director explained that aquaculture could create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across the value chain, including hatchery operations, fish farming, processing, storage, marketing and transportation.

The scholarship is expected to strengthen collaboration between UESD and the aquaculture industry while supporting the development of skilled professionals in the sector.

GNA

Editing by D.I. Laary/Benjamin Mensah

Reporter: Kamal Ahmed

Reporter’s email address: [email protected]