Education Minister commissions $1.7m Chinese-funded school project in Ekumfi
Professor Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang, Minister of Education, on Wednesday com Ekumissioned two China-aided six unit classroom blocks worth $1.7 million for Otuam and Arkra in the Ekumfi District.
The two schools which were in deplorable states, were demolished in May 2012 for the construction of new ones.
The blocks consist of a library, an office to accommodate 12 members of staff, a head teacher’s office, washrooms, for both genders with a capacity for five pupil each, a space for recreational activities and a fence wall.
At a ceremony at Arkra to hand over the schools, Prof. Opoku- Agyemang expressed the country’s appreciation to the Chinese government for the benevolence. and called for closer relationship between the two countries.
She challenged the students and teachers to strive and outperform all other schools in the district since they have the best facilities, adding that that is the best appreciation they could exhibit to the memory of the late President Atta Mills, who negotiated the projects.
The Education Minister advised teachers, pupils and members of both communities to take good care of all the facilities and ensure that future learners benefit from the benevolence.
Mr. Samuel Sarpong, Central Regional Minister, applauded the Chinese government for the gesture, and advised members of the community to take advantage of the project and give priority attention to the education of their children.
He used the platform to register his displeasure over the recent Otuam demonstration in protest against the uncompleted street project in the town that nearly turned sour when the police confronted the demonstrators, and called on the traditional council to put ensure that such an incident did nor recur.
Goa Wenzhi, Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, expressed his gratitude to the government, education officials, chiefs and the members of the communities for their collaboration during the 10-month working period.
He noted that China’s investment in Ghana is ranked seventh in Africa, and expressed the hope that the cordial relationship between the two countries would be further strengthened.
Nana Odziakopa Kofi Arko the Seventh, Chief of Mbroboto and Debrehen of the Ekumfi Traditional Area, who presided , praised the late President Mills for the project, and expressed the hope that it would help improve the standard of education in Ekumfi.
The China Enterprsie Chamber of Commerce, also donated books, stationery, furniture, football equipment and other educational facilities, to the two schools.
Source: GNA