Hannah Akahoho Segbefia emerges winner of the National Essay Competition in Ghana

17 year old, Miss Hannah Akahoho Segbefia, of Wesley Girl’s SHS has emerged overall winner of the 2016 edition of the UBA Foundation National Essay competition, winning the sum of $5,000.00 as an educational grant to study in any African university of her choice.

Hannah clinched the first position at the grand finale held at the banks corporate headquarters in Accra ahead of 12 finalists selected from numerous entries from students of senior secondary schools all over Ghana.

The first and second runners up prize was won by miss Kasha Kuipo,  aged 16 years, of St Mary’s SHS and master Angaag Nathaniel Awentiirin, 17 of Nungua SHS who both took home the sum of $3500 and $2000 respectively as educational grant.

Speaking at the grand finale, the MD/CEO, UBA Ghana, Abiola Bawuah congratulated the finalists, referring to them as winners for taking a step of faith by participating in the competition.  Bawuah noted that, over the years, UBA has consistently taken the lead in investing in the lives of future leaders and is always motivated by the successes of the winners who go on to excel in their chosen careers.

The UBA boss, also used the opportunity to counsel them, saying  what separates extraordinary people from ordinary people are the steps they take in life. She enjoined other students to take advantage of the unique opportunity and be a part of the competition next year.

In her remarks the MD/CEO, UBA Foundation, Ijeoma Aso, commended the finalists, noting that, they scaled the initial hurdles which qualified their entries to be chosen from the numerous entries received for the competition nationwide, stating that it was a feat worthy of commendation. According to Aso, UBA Foundation, being the CSR arm of UBA Plc., makes it a point of duty to give back to communities where UBA operates through its focus areas.  Education she noted is one of the Foundation’s focus areas because students today are leaders of tomorrow which means education is the bedrock of any nation.

She went on to encourage finalists to be good ambassadors of the competition which is in its third year in Ghana and affirmed that the competition will be held every year.

The Minister of Education, Ghana was represented at the event by Mrs. Felicia  Boakye –Yiadem who is the Director for Curriculum Research and Development.  While delivering her speech, highlighted strong points of the UBA Foundation National Essay Competition, one of which she says has contributed to grooming outstanding leaders. According to her “The competition allows every student exhibit hidden talents and potentials while developing a positive work ethic with problem solving and critical thinking skills”. Mrs. Boakye also expressed the ministers and the Ghana Education Service’s appreciation to UBA for the laudable initiative, which has helped groom leading lights across Africa. “The UBA  Foundation National Essay Competition is one of the most inspiring events of the Ghana Education Service (GES). The GES hugely appreciates this initiative in promoting literacy, expression and creativity among young people”, she said.

The judges, led by the Head of Department, English, University of Ghana, Dr. Jemimah Anderson said, they  were  impressed with the participants who showed lots of promise as to what to expect of the future of Ghana, noting that the students wrote intelligently and their ideas were well articulated, new and refreshing. They were also encouraged that the students sent entries from all parts of Ghana.