Accra, May 27, GNA - MTN Ghana Foundation has inaugurated a three-unit classroom block and an administrative office for the people of Sefwi Abono, a farming community in the Western Region.

The facilities estimated at about GH¢64,280 are in response to an appeal made by the people of Sefwi Abono and its surrounding communities to the Foundation for assistance to undertake the projects.

Initially, the Foundation presented a cheque for GH¢9,311 to the community towards the construction of the facilities, and an additional GH¢54,969 was added to upgrade the facility into a modern one.

A statement issued and copied to Ghana News Agency in Accra on Friday said the project was expected to impact the lives of more than 570 school children in the communities and also serve as a West African Examination Council Hall for Juaboso District, since it passed all requirements of Ghana Education Service.

Presenting the facilities to the community on behalf of the Foundation, Nana Adjei Perbi, Education Projects Advisor of MTN noted that "The facilities will assist to prepare the students for their examinations and development as well as motivate the teaching staff and management to continue to give their best to the communities".

He said "MTN recognises the important role education plays in the socio-economic development of our societies and therefore when the Foundation was approached with a request for this support, we did not hesitate to respond to the call of the school children and the people of Sefwi Abono".

Mr Solomon Fouachia, District Chief Executive commended the Foundation for their kind gesture.

"I wish to thank MTN Ghana for helping to solve a big problem in this district. You have proved to us that you are not only interested in what you get from Ghanaians but also ready to offer assistance to Ghanaians where necessary and so MTN is not only Wherever You Go but also wherever there is a need," he added.

Mr Fouachia said government alone could not provide all the development needs of the country therefore, the support of corporate bodies was much needed.

The Foundation has contributed about GH¢3.5 million to support Health and Education sectors in the country over the past four years of its existence.

Some of its recent projects include: sponsorship of the National Best Teacher Awards, donation of 1,000 school bags to school children in the Upper West Region, the three-year sponsorship arrangement to the Akropong School for the Blind beginning 2011 which includes a 33-seater bus, a computer laboratory and boys dormitory.

MTN Ghana's contribution to the development of the country has been acknowledged widely, it was adjudged the Best Corporate Social Responsibility Company last year by the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre. It was again decorated with the same award this year at the just ended Ghana Telecoms Awards.

All these show the commitment of the Foundation to the development of the country.