JHS dropout who returned lost wallet, receives GH₵6K to return to school
A 16-year-old Junior High School (JHS) dropout, Nfoye Jonas, from the village of Kpalsogni near Yendi, has received GH₵6,200 in donations for his exemplary honesty after returning a lost wallet containing cash and important documents.
On April 23, 2025, while running an errand on a motorbike, Jonas discovered a wallet on the roadside between Gbungbaliga and Bimbila. Without opening it, he took it home and handed it to his uncle, Mr. Emmanuel Bigbei. Upon discovering the valuable contents, they decided to turn it in through Sankara Radio in Yendi, hoping the rightful owner would be located.
The wallet belonged to Mr. Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter Extremism, who had lost it while on a nighttime mission between Yendi and Wulensi. The wallet contained GH₵2,530, USD180, 2,000 CFA Francs, VISA cards, and several forms of identification, including a voter’s ID and Ghana Card.
After realising his loss, Mr. Muqthar made a public appeal on Facebook. Fortunately, Sankara Radio’s manager, Mr. David Takal, saw the post and reached out to him. The wallet, with all contents intact, was successfully returned.
“This is an improbable display of the true values of patriotism and honesty,” Mr. Muqthar stated. “I was humbled by the extraordinary honesty and kindness shown by Jonas and his family.”
Jonas, who lost his father three years ago while in JHS 1, had been forced to drop out due to financial difficulties. His uncle, who had taken over responsibility for his education, could no longer afford his fees. Despite attempts to re-enroll, Jonas remained out of school, with the family considering vocational training as a next step.
Even with their own motorbike broken down, Jonas and his uncle borrowed one from a neighbour to make two trips to Yendi to ensure the wallet was returned.
In appreciation of Jonas’s act, Mr. Muqthar launched a fundraising campaign online, contributing GH₵1,000 personally and pledging another GH₵1,000 to encourage others. The campaign raised a total of GH₵6,200 to support Jonas’s education or skills training.
Over the weekend, Mr. Muqthar visited Kpalsogni to meet Jonas and officially present the funds. The community turned out in large numbers to welcome him.
“They were full of excitement,” he said. “Jonas’s conduct will remain a shining example for society and those who come after him.”
The family has indicated that the funds will go toward Jonas’s career development in glassmaking, providing him a fresh opportunity to build a future grounded in integrity and purpose.
“These are the true heroes of our society,” Mr. Muqthar remarked. “We need to preserve such values and inspire new generations of honest and patriotic citizens.”
