In a historic ceremony held at the Palace of the Overlord of Gonjaland, Yagbonwura Jirah Bikunuto Jewu Soale I, on Monday, October 20, 2025, three students were given a royal send-off as they prepare to pursue medical education in China under a pioneering scholarship scheme.
The students—Mahama Jawu Kamal-Deen, Ebu-Yeh Najuan Khalid, and Khadija Akunatu are the first beneficiaries of the Yagbonwura Bikunuto Educational Fund, an initiative aimed at advancing educational opportunities for the people of the Gonja Kingdom.
The scholarship program, coordinated by Mufti Borejinkpir, who also serves as Secretary to the Gonjaland Youth Association, received applications from 44 students. Through a meticulous selection process, the pool was narrowed down to 15, then nine, and ultimately the three successful candidates.
The initiative was undertaken with the support of Hon. Yussif Sulemana, Member of Parliament for Bole Constituency and Deputy Minister for Lands and Natural Resources.
Speaking to the media at the ceremony, Mr. Borejinkpir outlined the vision behind the educational fund. “It’s been a year and half since we established the Bikunuto Educational Fund purposely to support the people of the Gonja Kingdom,” he said. “God willing, we have been able to secure scholarships for three of our children to study Dentistry and Medicine in China through the good name of our Overlord.”
He emphasized that the scholarship comes with a commitment to community service. “They have signed an undertaken agreement to come and give back to the people of Gonjaland before moving to any other hospital when they are back home after their studies in China,” Mr. Borejinkpir explained.
Looking ahead, the coordinator announced plans to expand the program. “Next year 2026, God willing, two of our students will be going to the United Kingdom to pursue their Masters Degree,” he revealed.
(Cue Audio of Mufti on Yagbonwura Educational Fund Scholarship)
Mahama Jawu Kamal-Deen, who will study Dentistry, expressed profound appreciation for the opportunity. “I promise to go and study hard to come back and give back to my people,” he pledged. “I am going to study Dentistry and will make sure I bring back the impact to my people, Gonjaland.”
(Cue audio of Kamal-Deen a Beneficiary)
Ebu-Yeh Najuan Khalid, one of two students who will read Medicine, could barely contain her excitement. “I just want to be grateful to the Yagbonwura, God and everyone for this opportunity to go and study and come back to Ghana, and I promise the people of Gonjaland that I will not disappoint them,” she said.
(Cue audio of Ebu-Yeh Najuan Khalid one of the beneficiary)
Khadija Akunatu, who was in Accra finalizing her passport arrangements, was represented by her father, Mr. Abdullai Nasiru Gyatta. “We thank God that Yagbonwura has set up such a foundation to support us,” he said. “They were about 44 students who applied and later shortlisted to the three which my daughter is one of them. May God bless everyone who helped make this come to reality.”
(Cue Audio of the Father of Khadija Akunatu, a beneficiary)
In a gesture of support, Yagbonwura Jirah Bikunuto Jewu Soale I gave the students his blessings and promised to back them with prayers. The Overlord also presented them with an undisclosed sum of money to assist with their initial upkeep upon arrival in China.
The Yagbonwura Bikunuto Educational Fund represents a significant investment in the future of Gonjaland, with the expectation that these scholars will return to serve their communities and inspire future generations to pursue excellence in education and healthcare.
