Regional News of Tuesday, 25 March 2008

Source: GNA

Save Ashalaja school block - Chief appeals

Amasaman (GA), March 25, GNA - Nii Akwanor III, chief of Ashalaja, near Amasaman in the Ga West District, has appealed to Government to assist the area rehabilitate a dilapidated school block, which houses about 400 children.

He also appealed to Non Governmental Organizations and philanthropists to support the community to construct a new school block the community started two years ago to replace the old structure, but which was halted due to lack of funds.

Nii Akwanor III was speaking with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), after a meeting of the Unit Committee of District Assembly and opinion leaders at Ashalaja on Monday to find ways of constructing the old block, which many have described as a death trap.

He said the inhabitants started the new block, which comprised six-classroom block with an office and a store room in 2006 through communal labour adding, "the Ghana National Association of Teachers even supported with 200 bags of cement."

Nii Akwanor III said "a decent school building will not only encourage people to educate their children but will also promote teaching and learning."

Mr. Addy Adams, a former assembly member for the area said, the project was initiated to replace the old school block, which was destroyed in a rainstorm.

He said the chief and his elders had offered land for the project and appealed specifically to the Rotary Club and the Coca Cola Bottling Company for help to complete the work early. Mr. Abraham Adu, Chairman of the Unit Committee said men and women have been asked to contribute GH¢20 and GH¢10 respectively towards the project.