Maase (Ash), March 13, GNA - Mr Joseph Oppong, a Consultant of the Innovative Design Services and the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) in Kumasi, has called on people who use classrooms for social activities to protect the tables, chairs and teaching and learning materials there. He observed that people who worshiped or served drinks during social gatherings in classrooms mishandled materials making it difficult for effective teaching and learning. Mr Oppong made these observations at the handing over ceremonies of classrooms, teacher's quarters, libraries, boreholes and toilet facilities for the Amanfrom and Maase-Brofoyedru primary schools in the Kwabre District on Friday.

The Government of Ghana and the Manhyia Development Unit of the Asanteman Council under the Promoting Partnership with Traditional Authorities Project (PPTAP) sponsored the projects with consultancy services by the Innovative Design Services and BRRI. Mr Oppong, who was the consultant for the projects, urged the Chiefs not to sell lands earmarked for school projects since there would be the need for expansion and development. He said 40 educational projects were being executed under the PPTAP in the Ashanti region and called on the chiefs, School Management Committees (SMCs) and the head teachers to ensure proper maintenance of the facilities. They should also ensure that all children of school-going age were enrolled.

Nana Baaye Siakwan II, Pampasohene of Kumasi presented 300 exercise books to be distributed to pupils of the Amanfrom Primary School and asked the children to study hard. Nana Pidie Berkoe, Boagyaa Adontenhene and Nana Serwaa Nyarko, Queenmother of Boagyaa, commended Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene for the his efforts in providing the two communities with the facilities and expressed the hope that it would be extended to other communities. Mr Kofi Opoku-Adarkwa, Assistant Director of Education at the District Education Office, said the people of the communities were lucky to have the facilities and advised them to embrace the Otumfuo's Education Fund to make it a success.