The Matthew Essieh Foundation has donated a 12-unit ultramodern classroom building to the St. Ann’s Girls Senior High school at Sampa in the Bono Region of Ghana. The schools fifth anniversary was held under the theme (PROMOTING GIRL CHILD EDUCATION IN THE JAMAN NORTH DISTRICT; "THE CATHOLIC PERSPECTIVE).

The marked five-day celebration was concluded with a mammoth ceremony to inaugurate and dedicate the school building to the Catholic Church in Sampa and to the Sampa Community at large.

Speaking on the theme, the Guest of Honour, Bishop Matthew Kwasi Gyamfi (Bishop of the Catholic Diocese - Sunyani) thanked the Chiefs and the people of Sampa for their continuous effort in driving Girl Child Education.

He acknowledged the Catholic Church of Ghana for their contribution to Girl Child Education by raising highly reputable institutions like Holy Child, St Louis, St Rose's etc. and now St Ann’s.

He remarked the significant contribution these schools have made in growth of Ghana. He went ahead to praise the good works of Mr. Matthew Essieh the CEO of the Matthew Essieh Foundation for Donating such a magnificent building to the people of Sampa.

He recounted how helpful he had been to the Catholic Diocese in Sunyani.

The President of Ghana was ably represented by the District Chief Executive officer of Jaman North, Hon. Adane Ankomah. He gave accounts on how Mr. Matthew Essieh has been of immense help to the people of Sampa and the Jaman North Municipality at large.

He encouraged other persons to emulate his example and paid a hearty tribute to Mr. Essieh for such a significant contribution that has an effect on the masses.

The Chairman of the ceremony, Nana Kwadwo Masgah II- Acting President of Sampa Traditional Council in his address, recounted the numerous projects Mr. Essieh has undertaken for the Sampa Community in the following areas: Education, Health and numerous Community Developmental activities.

The Foundation has constructed one hundred (100) bed capacity girls’ dormitory for Nafana Senior High School, constructed a three (3) unit classroom block for Nipaba-Brew school at Sampa and sponsored a number of students from Jaman North District in Ghana, U.S.A. and Europe.

He has awarded scholarships to several students to schools in Ghana, Europe and USA. In the health sector alone, they have constructed both male and female wards and maternity ward for Sampa District Hospital.

Mr. Matthew Essieh in his speech for the dedication, which was read on his behalf by Mr. Emmanuel Yaw Dwamena, thanked all individuals and institutions that contributed to shaping who he is today and his accomplishment.

A special mention was made of Rev. Father Peter Bootsma, a Dutch who came to serve at Our Lady of Fatimah parish, Sampa. Rev. Father Peter Bootsma created a welcoming environment, instilled strong values and inspired him to seek the well-being of not just his immediate family but the entire community.

He concluded by saying, “I have poured my love into this community for more than thirty years, giving of my time, money and resources to benefit as many people as possible through scholarships, educational and health care projects.

These projects are meant to benefit the entire community regardless of family origin, religion, ethnicity or tribe. The best investment we can make in this community is in the education of our youth, particularly girls, and that is why this project is so important.

This is done without political motives of any kind, only out of love for my fellow human being. In order for this legacy to persist, I constantly hope and pray for two things: First, humbly requesting that the Government match our donation by building dormitories and additional structures for the school and its students.

Second, that this community put differences aside and resolve all of its conflicts, so that we may all see the day, may it be very soon, that we view and treat each other with love as brothers or sisters, and that we only live in peace.”