Tarkwa, Sept 10, GNA - Gold Fields Ghana Limited (GFGL) has presented a cheque for 320 million cedis to 24 scholarship beneficiaries at a ceremony at Tarkwa.

The beneficiaries were drawn from eight communities and these are New Atuabo, Brahabobom, Akoon, Samahuu, Abekoase, Tebe, Huniiso and Pepesa.

Mr Stephen Yirenkyi, Manager, Community Affairs and Public Relations, said GFGL Ghana Foundation was gradually moving from the provision of infrastructure to improving the skills of beneficiaries of its projects.

He said last year 313 million cedis were spent on 48 scholarship beneficiaries.

Mr Yirenkyi said the company most often does not employ from the catchments communities because the required skill was not there. "Mining is technical and one has to be skillful in order not to create a problem."

He said the scholarship scheme was instituted to enable beneficiaries to pursue their formal education to acquire knowledge and skills required for mining.

Mr Yirenkyi told the beneficiaries' parents to complement the efforts of the company by providing the basic needs of their children. Mr Martin Ampiah spoke on behalf of the parents and thanked GFGL for the scholarship. Ms Abena Serwaa Opare Dankwa, a beneficiary, promised not to make the investment made go waste.