Introduction
The Tropical Students Support Initiative (TSSI), formerly known as the Tropical Saint Anthony’s Foundation (TSAF), is a charitable organization founded by Tropical Cable and Conductor Limited (TCCL) and the OTENG-GYASI family in May 2010. The initiative provides financial aid and scholarships to deserving students in Ghana who have been admitted to study or are currently enrolled at the University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and the University of Cape Coast (UCC).
TSSI assists undergraduate students, especially young ladies to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Liberal Arts students may be considered if no STEM students have been selected.This report outlines the history of the organization, its activities over the past years, and an update on the current status of the beneficiaries.
The objective is to reduce the financial challenges that distract students with insufficient means of pursuing their studies with full focus. The students need not be brilliant or exceptional to qualify for assistance. To qualify a student needs the admission letters and evidence of need.
Brief History of Tropical Students Support Initiative
Following his tenure as chairman of the University of Ghana Council (2005 to 2009) Dr Anthony Oteng-Gyasi, identified a gap in the funding of Undergraduate University education in Ghana. The existing scholarship schemes were all aimed at brilliant but needy students. Tony’s interaction with students at Legon convinced him that many students failed to exhibit their full potential due to financial challenges. He therefore conceived TSSI as a vehicle to bring out the best in students with inadequate means. Together with his wife Barbara, they set out to fill this identified gap. The board of Tropical Cable &Conductor Ltd. (TCCL) a company he had started in 1998, agreed to support the initiative with periodic grants. TCCL’s participation has its roots in the company’s commitment to social responsibility.
In May 2010, the first Ghanaian Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, Prof. Alex Kwapong launched the fund at the University of Ghana.The Foundation has its roots in TCCL’s commitment to social responsibility. TCCL, located in Tema’s Heavy Industrial Area, is renowned for its world-class quality conductors and cables, contributing significantly to West Africa’s energy sector.
The organization has since grown from its original mandate of assisting University of Ghana students to include students from KNUST and UCC with a preference for students from less-endowed schools and STEM disciplines.
Purpose of the Foundation
The main goal of TSSI is to offer scholarships to deserving students in tertiary institutions, particularly those studying science and technology subjects, with a preference for female students.
Key Purposes:
- Support STEM and other Students: Providing financial aid to students admitted to three Universities in Ghana pursuing science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs.
- Expand Access to Education: Focus on students from underprivileged backgrounds, particularly those who attended less-endowed schools in Ghana and resident in rural communities.
- Facilitate Academic Excellence: Encourage female participation in STEM and support students’ professional and academic growth.
Beginning in 2017, the scholarship program was expanded to include students from KNUST and UCC recognizing the growing need for capacity in science and technology disciplines across the country. However, in 2024, students from all the public universities in Ghana can apply to be a part of the scholarship program.
The Tropical Students Support Initiative has made significant progress in fulfilling its mission to support underprivileged students in accessing quality tertiary education. With continued support from partners, sponsors, and well-wishers, TSSI is poised to expand its reach and impact in the years to come.
The board expresses gratitude to all those who have contributed to the success of the initiative and looks forward to further collaboration.