Accra, Nov. 4, GNA- Parliament by 110 votes approved a loan agreement of four million US dollars between Ghana and Arabic Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADAE) to finance Basic Education Support Project in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions.

The project, which is aimed at expanding access by the poor to quality basic education in the two regions would involve the construction of basic classroom facilities in selected primary schools and improve access to education by increasing participation of boys and girls of school-going age.

It would also help reduce the rate of school dropouts and encourage the retention of pupils as well as improving quality learning and teaching.

The loan has a repayment period of 20 years and a 10-year grace period with an interest rate of one per cent.

Mr Eugene Atta Agyepong, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, who presented the report said the school blocks would consist of six standard classrooms attached with a head teacher's office, store and a library.

Mr Edward Salia, NDC-Jirapa called on the Government to access more of such loans to benefit other regions particularly those in the Northern part of the country.