Credit: Kekeli K. Blamey
Zenith Bank (Ghana) Limited has reaffirmed its dedication to fostering academic excellence and national development through continued investment in Ghana’s education sector.
At the 2025 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) Distinction Awards held on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Bank awarded the Overall Best WASSCE Candidate, Master David Nii Commey Ankrah of Hope College, with a cash prize of GH¢30,000.00 and a brand-new laptop. This gesture is part of the Bank’s ongoing commitment to recognizing and rewarding academic achievement.
The award presentation is in line with a five-year partnership between Zenith Bank and WAEC to sponsor the Overall Best WASSCE Candidate category. Prior to the formalization of this partnership, the Bank had independently sponsored the award in 2020, 2021, and 2022, consistently presenting recipients with a GH¢30,000.00 cash prize and a laptop.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Henry Onwuzurigbo, the Divisional Head, Mr. James Wiafe Akenten, underscored the Bank’s commitment to excellence and youth empowerment.
“By investing in exceptional students, we are not only celebrating academic brilliance but also nurturing the future leaders of Ghana. These individuals will shape innovation, uphold values, and contribute significantly to the nation’s development,” Mr. Akenten stated.
He further emphasized that supporting educational excellence aligns with Zenith Bank’s broader mission to empower individuals and institutions that are instrumental in shaping the future of Ghana. “Every investment we make in education is a strategic contribution to the country’s sustainable development,” he added.
The event was also graced by the Honourable Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, who urged students to uphold integrity and character. “You can pass exams honestly. Walk with confidence, stay true to the values instilled in you by your parents and teachers, and always act with integrity,” he advised.
Dr. (Mrs.) Rosemond Wilson, Head of the National Office of WAEC, cautioned students against examination malpractice, reinforcing the importance of hard work and resilience. “Success achieved through honesty stands as proof that excellence is possible without cutting corners,” she noted. She also encouraged the use of technology to support learning rather than undermine the credibility of assessments.
The Acting Director-General for Management Services at the Ghana Education Service, Prof. Smile Gavua Dzisi, commended WAEC for its sustained commitment to academic recognition. “This ceremony is not only about celebrating top-performing students but also reflecting on the promise of Ghana’s educational future,” she said.
Zenith Bank’s sustained engagement with the education sector reflects its broader Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) agenda. Since commencing operations in Ghana in 2005, the Bank has prioritized education as a key pillar of its national development efforts.
Earlier this year, in March, Zenith Bank commissioned a modern Banking Clinic at Kumasi Technical University (KsTU) to provide students with practical exposure to real-world banking, bridging the gap between theory and practice. In the same month, the Bank refurbished the Odumase M/A Basic School in the Ga West Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, enhancing the learning environment for hundreds of pupils.
These initiatives form part of Zenith Bank’s long-term vision to empower future generations through education and contribute to building a skilled, knowledgeable workforce that will drive Ghana’s socio-economic growth.
