The Duamenefa Foundation has successfully hosted the 6th edition of the Costheta Educational Support Fund Ceremony in a grand style, bringing together stakeholders, students, and community members to support education and promote academic development. The event was a very beautiful and enjoyable ceremony, creating an atmosphere of unity, celebration, and encouragement for academic excellence.
The ceremony was held at Woe-Aklorbordzi in the Duamenefa Mission House, located off Deku Road opposite the Roman Catholic Church. It attracted traditional rulers, government representatives, clergy, community leaders, and other stakeholders who gathered in large numbers to support the initiative.
The ceremony was chaired by Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada (War Commander) of the Anlo State, whose presence added cultural significance and prestige to the occasion.
The programme is designed to support brilliant but needy students who have successfully completed Senior High School (SHS) with outstanding academic performance, particularly those who obtained aggregates between 6 and 10, and who also demonstrate good Christian character. The initiative seeks to promote academic excellence while encouraging discipline and moral values among young people.
The 6th edition of the initiative continues to build on previous successful programmes. It was established and sponsored by Dr. David Kotei Nutakor, a Ghanaian based in California, in blessed memory of his late parents, Mr. Leonard Gbede Nutakor and Mrs. Sabina Atsemuyo Evortepe.
The traditional rulers present at the ceremony included Torgbui Agbesi Awusu II, Awadada of the Anlo State; Torgbui Zewu of Anloga; Torgbui Adoblanyui II of Woe; Torgbui Haxormene; Torgbiga James Ocloo of Keta; and Torgbi Kissi of Avuablatsi IV.
The event also brought together several distinguished personalities, including Mama Aflii II, Mr. Amelor Godwin (GES Director, Anloga), Madam Mispa Helu (Director, African Disability Institute), Regent of Dawu (Woe), Rev. Banini, Deku Paul (Aklorbordzi Community Elder), Hon. Rolex Agbey Miheso (NDC Anlo Constituency Chairman), Torgbui Capacity Etsey Akpalu (Chief Fisherman – Sea Side), Mr. Kperator Nyaladem Edzorna (Lagoon Chief Fisherman), Mr. Deku Kodzo Sylvester (Social Welfare Director, Anloga District), and Alfred Kodzo Fiagbenya (Aklorbordzi Community Elder).
In his speech, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe expressed appreciation to the traditional rulers and all participants for their time and presence at the ceremony. He explained that the Costheta Educational Support Fund initiative originated from a meeting he had some years ago with Dr. David Kotei Nutakor in California, USA, which eventually led to its establishment. He commended Dr. Nutakor for his humility and continuous support towards students.
Dr. David Kotei Nutakor, in his address, expressed appreciation to all participants for attending the ceremony. He stated that the initiative is being honored in blessed memory of his parents for the sacrifices and strong foundation they laid in education. He emphasized that the programme was established to honour their legacy and encouraged everyone to respect one another and recognize that all people are equal.
In interactions with the beneficiaries, they expressed gratitude to the Duamenefa Foundation for the initiative, describing it as a great opportunity and privilege to be part of the ceremony. The beneficiaries received cash awards, certificates, 360-degree laptops, pressing irons, and kettles to support their academic and personal development.
In addition, the Duamenefa Foundation extended support to persons with disabilities who had acquired skills and successfully completed their training by providing them with sewing machines to enable them to continue supporting themselves and becoming economically independent.
Many participants described the initiative as a highly impactful programme that should be widely appreciated and supported due to its positive contribution to education, empowerment, and community development.
The cultural performance at the ceremony was beautifully delivered by the Kekeli Agbadza Group from Rhema Full Gospel Church. Their energetic and well-coordinated Agbadza display was massive and captivating, adding colour and vibrancy to the event and making it more attractive and memorable.
The Duamenefa Foundation also used this vital ceremony to officially commission the Duamenefa Mission House, which now serves as the headquarters of the Foundation. This was officially declared by Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe during the event.
The ceremony was covered live by Everlove TV, which broadcast the event in full, while Fafaa 100.3 FM also carried the programme live on air, ensuring wide public engagement and reach.
The event further highlighted the importance of education as a tool for community development. Speakers encouraged parents and guardians to take an active role in their children’s academic progress, emphasizing that strong family support is essential for success. The need for collaboration between traditional leaders, educational institutions, and development partners was also emphasized, alongside calls for discipline, focus, and hard work among students.
The ceremony concluded on a joyful and memorable note, with participants expressing appreciation to all organizers and partners. The Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting education, unity, and community development, with hopes that future editions will be even more impactful and successful.
By Hutor Dziwornu, Fafaa 100.3 Fm,Dzodze