The Member of Parliament (MP) for Sefwi Wiawso in Western North Region, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie has inaugurated fifteen (15) classroom blocks for three communities, to improve access to education in the area.

The projects are; a six-unit classroom block at a cost of GHC261,400.00 for the Ampabame M/A Primary School, a three-unit classroom block with computer lab constructed at a cost of GHC118,749.00 for Aboboyaa M/A Primary School and a six-unit classroom block with school football pitch and a mechanized borehole for Adewano M/A Primary School worth GHC331,400.00.

These were funded through the MP's share of Common Funds.

In the separate remarks made at the three colourful ceremonies, Dr. Kwaku Afriyie who is also a Minister of State noted that the condition of the old classroom block at the Ampabame was very bad and posed danger to pupils hence the intervention.

"The selection of Ampabame was done on the basis of merit having considered the deplorable nature of the old structure which became a death trap. I am however, convinced that, this school can now serve all the adjoining villages around, Abijanline, Abouso, Nyamebekyere among others for the sake of comfort of their parents and the kids as well", he said.

Promise fulfilled

He said he cut the sod for construction of the projects on August 13, 2018 and expressed his profound appreciation to the contractor and those who helped in the completion of them.

"On August 13, 2018 we did the sod cutting for the construction of the 6-unit primary schools, Today marks the 14 months after the sod cutting of the 6-unit new primary schools", he said.

"I feel very much pleased to see many parents, media friends all coming to grace this colourful and momentous occasion. First of all, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to the completion of the three (3) projects. At the same time, let us be thankful as a means to show utmost appreciation to those who have made tremendous efforts and contributions to the execution of the very projects we are commissioning today", he emphasized.

Newly classroom blocks to improve quality of education

He disclosed that "These three schools used to be very old and not best constructed to meet the standard for healthy educational environment. They were not safe either for the Teaching and Learning. The new 6-unit classroom block includes spacious surrounding, 6 classrooms, 1 teacher’s office, storage rooms, etc".

He, therefore said from today going, the school children would be happy to sit in these conducive classrooms to study well.

"As you can see, they are newly painted, fully stock with dual desks for effective teaching and learning to commence. I am sure the students would henceforth be safe in their new schools as we hand them to the community for its usage. I am sure their parents and beneficiary communities are also very happy about the new schools", the MP noted.

Scholarship package for students

The MP, seized the opportunity to reveal to the gathering that he had secured a scholarship package for 80 students to pursue various courses at the tertiary level.

To this end, he said plans were far advanced to sponsor more students in this year.

"As part of my support towards education, my leadership has been able to secure a scholarship package for 80 students to pursue various courses at the tertiary level. As a matter of fact, plans are far advanced to sponsor more in this year, 2020".

"It is my fervent hope that, with the cooperation of the Municipal Directorate of Education, more projects will be pushed forward smoothly and quickly in the coming days", he added.

Appreciation

He thanked Joeseth construction limited for providing free consulting services for all his projects and also thanked the Assembly and the chiefs and people for the support.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to the consultant (Joesetth construction limited), for the Free consulting services for all my projects, The unit committee members, the municipal assembly, chiefs and the people of Ampabame, Adewano and Aboboyaa for their selfless sacrifices", he acknowledged.

"I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the management and staff of the commissioning schools, and local workers for their hard working and efforts. Finally, I would like to extend my handful appreciation to the Municipal Director of Education for his immence support", he continued.

He claimed that under the 12-year leadership of the former MP for the area, Hon. Paul Evans Aidoo students were not provided with any such befitting classroom blocks.

He commended his Constituency Executives for working tirelessly towards the early completion of the projects.

"I would be ungrateful if I don't commend my hardworking Constituency Executives for working assiduously towards the early completion of this edifice. It is worthy of note that, in the entire 12 years of the former Member of Parliament Hon. Paul Evans Aidoo, students were not provided any such befitting classroom block".

"Indeed what could not be done in 12 years under him has been done in my first term as a Member of Parliament", he concluded.