Amamata Tanko, a Ghanaian graduate with a First Class degree in Climate Change and Sustainable Development, has been awarded a fully funded scholarship by the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at the University of British Columbia (UBC) to pursue a Master of International Forestry degree in Canada. The announcement, made via her LinkedIn post in August 2026, caps a journey she described as "nothing short of miraculous" after facing numerous rejections and external doubts.
A Single Application That Changed Everything
Tanko, who graduated in 2022, submitted only one Master's application in 2025, a decision that came after a period filled with rejection emails and self-doubt from those around her. Despite pressure from her circle to remain at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) for postgraduate studies, where she had served as a Teaching Assistant in the Department of Atmospheric and Climate Science, she chose to follow a different path.
In her LinkedIn post, Tanko wrote: "Moving forward despite doubts from others and countless rejection emails, it wasn't easy, but listening to that still, small voice made all the difference." That single application proved sufficient, as the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program at UBC selected her for a fully funded scholarship to study the UBC Master of International Forestry programme.
Gratitude and Community Support
Tanko expressed deep gratitude to the Mastercard Foundation for believing in her potential and said she looks forward to giving back to her community. She also paid tribute to her husband, Seedorf Nana Darko, her family, her boss and supervisor Caleb Mensah, and Ing. Jeff Dacosta Osei for their encouragement and guidance throughout her journey.
Beyond academia, Tanko reflected on personal milestones, including her marriage and her transition from a Muslim background to the Christian faith. Her post drew warm congratulations from friends and colleagues. Caleb Mensah commented: "I'm super proud of all that you have achieved. Congratulations, Mrs.! May God continue to grant you more grace and greater success." Millicent Adjubi added: "Awwwnnnn. Congratulations to you Mrs. Darko. God bless you always for us." Linda Arthur wrote: "Congratulations Ama and wishing you great success in this new journey."
A Message of Hope for Others
Closing her post with a message for others still waiting for their own breakthrough, Tanko wrote: "Stay hopeful, trust the promptings you receive, and keep moving forward." Her story serves as a testament to perseverance and the impact of the Mastercard Foundation Scholars Program in enabling African students to access world-class education opportunities abroad.
