By Michael Foli Jackidy
Kpeyiborkope (V/R), Nov. 15, GNA – Mr Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament of Ketu North, has cut-the-sod for the construction of a two–unit classroom block with a store, office, and a six-seater toilet facility for the Kpeyiborkope RC Primary School.
The project is being undertaken in partnership with Pencils of Promise (PoP) as part of efforts to improve early childhood education infrastructure in the constituency.
Mr Agbana expressed deep admiration for PoP’s outstanding contributions to education across the country.
He noted that the new facility would be PoP’s 208th infrastructure project nationwide, with 13 already completed in the Ketu North Municipality.
“As a member of the Education Committee of Parliament, I can confidently say no individual, organisation, or group has built more classroom blocks in Ghana than Pencils of Promise,” he said.
The MP explained that the project followed months of engagement with PoP’s Country Director, Mr. Freeman Gobah, as he lobbied for additional support for deprived communities.
After proposing Kpeyiborkope and Adelakoekope for assessment, PoP identified the urgent need for a KG block in Kpeyiborkope to strengthen foundational learning.
Mr Agbana underscored the importance of communal labour, urging residents to take ownership of the initiative and avoid delays often caused by lack of community support in similar projects elsewhere.
He announced that PoP required a 20 per cent community contribution in the form of chippings and sand, valued at GHS50,000, and that he was personally donating the amount to ensure immediate commencement of work.
PoP’s Country Director, Mr Freeman Gobah, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to delivering a conducive learning environment for children in the Ketu North Municipality.
He highlighted PoP’s mandate of constructing child-friendly classrooms, supporting teachers, and improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools.
He noted that over the past 13 years, PoP had completed 207 projects, with two ongoing projects.
“We expect that within three to four months, this project should be completed so our young learners can move into their new classroom,” he said, thanking the chiefs, community members, and the MP for their collaboration.
He added that PoP was piloting an initiative to provide internet connectivity to nine schools, three secondary and six basic schools, and expressed hope that by 2026, more beneficiary schools would benefit from the programme.
He appealed to the government and stakeholders to support schools with computers to ensure effective use of the internet facilities.
Representing the Ketu North Municipal Education Director, Mr. Gerhard Avudzivi, the Head of Administration and Finance, Mr Edward Deku, described the sod-cutting as “a new chapter” in the quest to provide safe and conducive learning environments for children.
He commended PoP for choosing Ketu North once again and praised the MP for his continuous advocacy and resource mobilisation for education.
“To the community, please take full ownership of this project. Safeguard the workers, protect the materials, and support the contractors to ensure timely completion,” he urged.
He encouraged teachers to uphold professionalism and students to make the most of the improved environment.
Chairman of the School Management Committee (SMC), Mr Sampson Amegatse, highlighted the existing infrastructure a six-unit classroom block built under the late former President John Evans Atta Mills and the school’s vast 32.5-acre land, which allows room for expansion.
He appealed for support to renovate the existing building, provide computers and library books, and relocate the Junior High School block to the same site as the primary school.
“We call on authorities, stakeholders, and benevolent organisations to come to our aid,” he said.
Headmistress Ms. Ametsi Grace expressed joy that the long-awaited KG block was finally becoming a reality.
“For decades, our school has operated without a KG block. Today marks the beginning of change,” she said.
She thanked PoP, the MP, the SMC, PTA, community members, and her predecessor for their continuous support.
She emphasised that the new facility would transform early childhood learning and create a safe and engaging environment for young pupils.
The sod-cutting ceremony was attended by traditional leaders, political figures, community members, PoP representatives, teachers, and pupils who entertained the gathering.
The event marked a significant milestone in the collective effort to strengthen education infrastructure in the Ketu North Municipality.
GNA
Edited By; Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei