The Butt-Tis Buuri Scholarship Fund has secured nonprofit certification from the Government of Ghana, marking a new phase in its growth from a personal initiative into a structured intervention with national reach.
The certification allows the fund to expand its operations and attract institutional support.
Founder and Board Chairman, Dr. John Kingsley Krugu, said the initiative was driven by the challenge faced by many students who are unable to continue their education due to limited financial resources.
“Sometimes, as little as GH¢1,000 can determine whether a student continues their education,” he said.
The fund, named “Butt-Tis Buuri,” meaning “sowing seeds for the future,” was initially financed through Dr. Krugu’s personal income from consultancy work and teaching abroad. It has since grown to support more than 200 beneficiaries across different levels of education.
Dr. Krugu said the fund is adjusting its focus in response to changing policy dynamics, including increased government support for tertiary education. He noted that more attention is now being given to students at the secondary level and those pursuing vocational training.
“We are not abandoning tertiary support, but we are shifting focus to where the need is greatest,” he said.
He added that Ghana’s unemployment challenges require greater investment in skills development. “We are producing graduates, but not enough skilled workers. Supporting vocational training is critical if we want young people to become economically independent,” he said.
As part of its transition to nonprofit status, the fund has established formal governance structures, including a board and audited accounts, to improve transparency and accountability.
Dr. Krugu said the certification has already opened opportunities for new partnerships, both locally and internationally. The fund maintains a selection process that considers both academic performance and financial need, with family involvement seen as key to sustaining support.
He said the fund aims to expand its reach while maintaining a focus on equity and inclusion. “We are not just giving support; we are giving young people a fighting chance to build a better future,” he said.
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