By Michael Foli Jackidy
Dzodze (V/R), Jan. 15, GNA – Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, says recent improvements in education infrastructure reflect renewed government commitment to channel development resources directly to the grassroots.
He said this at a sod-cutting ceremony on January 14 for the construction of a two-unit Kindergarten (KG) block at Dzodze Fiagbedu R.C. Basic School.
Mr Gunu said that since decentralisation in 1988 and the introduction of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in 1992, assemblies had struggled to access adequate funding for development.
He noted that in recent years, significant portions of the Common Fund failed to reach assemblies, depriving communities of needed infrastructure.
According to him, the situation had changed under President John Dramani Mahama, who ensured that about 80 per cent of the DACF was released directly to assemblies for development projects.
Mr Gunu said the move had demonstrated the true potential of the Common Fund in addressing local development challenges, particularly in education.
He identified inadequate classrooms and learning materials, especially at the kindergarten level, as major challenges facing communities, stressing the importance of early childhood education.
“If the foundation is weak, whatever you build on it will not last,” he said.
The Regional Minister said plans were underway to construct additional primary and Junior High School blocks and announced that the KG project was expected to be completed within six months.
He urged community members to avoid interfering with contractors’ work and to channel concerns through the Assembly Member, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) or Member of Parliament.
Rev. Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive for Ketu North, said the project followed a directive by President Mahama for assemblies to prioritise education infrastructure using the DACF.
He said the Dzodze Fiagbedu KG block was the first project initiated under the current administration in the municipality and appealed for community support to ensure timely completion.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah?Audrey Dekalu