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The University Challenge launched with GH₵1Million up for grabs
Young University entrepreneurs who have been looking for some angel investor to actualize their dreams have been offered an opportunity to see this day come to pass.
This follows the launch of The University Challenge (TUC) powered by the New Africa Foundation yesterday at the UPSA East Wing Conference room with a whooping GH₵1 million as the prize money for the winner.
TUC envisions a transformative departure from the conventional approach of obtaining degrees solely for job-seeking purposes. There is no denying the fact that this pursuit is often limited by the scarcity of job opportunities in a given economy.
The programme launched this year will have its first edition run in the first quarter of 2024, and will be an annual affair.
The focus of TUC is on cultivating entrepreneurs and fostering leadership as well as wealth creation.
Interestingly, the essence of the concept lies in encouraging students to embark on a business venture before graduating.
The challenge will take place between 10-13 weeks of inter-university competition designed to recruit students from selected universities across the country to brainstorm solutions to real-life challenges in society.
To qualify to participate, one must be a student of any of the selected schools working with the New Africa Foundation.
Also, one must be selected by the scouting team as an eligible candidate during the casting sessions, and be among the top 5 to earn a spot in the team which will represent the school.
Finally, one must be smart, entrepreneurial solution-oriented, a team player, and a leader among others to qualify to be a part.
Subsequently, there would be a GH₵50,000 mobilisation fund allocated to each team, however, there must be a justification for the release of funds.
Aside from the prize money, competitors stand to gain scholarships, and incubation/internship opportunities with the New Africa Foundation.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
