Japan pledges support for rural development

Kosane (B/A) Feb. 23 GNA - Japanese Ambassador Kazuko Asai at the weekend gave assurance of her country's continued assistance in the form of grants to support the government's rural development programme. She was speaking at the commissioning of four-unit teachers bungalows costing 410 million cedis constructed for the Kosane Local Authority Primary School in Dormaa District.

The community and the Japanese Embassy, under the Japanese Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects jointly financed the project.

Mrs. Asai noted that lack of accommodation for teachers was a major problem affecting many communities in the country and pledged her government's commitment and support to the provision of decent accommodation for teachers to boost their morale for an improvement in the quality of education.

Mrs. Asai appealed to teachers to accept postings to the rural areas to help promote the standard of education. In a speech read for him, Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister said the government was committed to improving education through the provision of classroom blocks, workshops, library and other facilities.

He urged parents and guardians to reciprocate the government's gesture and provide their children with their school materials to enhance teaching and learning.

Nana Seinti said the construction of the bungalow indicated the good cordial relations, bond of friendship and co-operation between Ghana and Japan.

On behalf of the government, the regional Minister expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Japanese government for its support.

Mr. Emmanuel Duku, Dormaa District Chief Executive, in a speech read for him, said the Assembly had invested much of its revenue towards the provision of classrooms and other facilities in a number of communities in the district.

In addition, the Assembly has used 112 million cedis to sponsor 280 needy and brilliant students at all levels as part of efforts to promote education in the district.

Mr. Augustine Ampaabeng-Kyeremeh, District Director of Education acknowledged the immense contributions of the USAID, European Union and the Japanese Embassy in providing the school with classroom blocks and teachers' bungalows.

He noted that the provision of the facilities would enhance teaching and learning and appealed to the teachers to work harder. Nana Ansu Gyeabour, Chief of Kyeremekrom who presided, called on the three communities of Kosane, Besease and Kyeremekrom to ensure the regular maintenance of facilities in the school.