HFC BANK provides JSS to commemorate Ghana@50

Accra, Aug. 27, GNA - The management of HFC Bank (Ghana) Limited, has donated GHC225,000 (250 million cedis) for the construction of a five-classroom Junior Secondary School (JSS) block to serve Kramokrom, Odumase and Anunuso in the Asante Akim North District.

The donation specifically serves as seed money for the establishment of a building fund to be situated at Kramokrom with the community providing about three hectares for the construction. A statement from the Bank in Accra on Monday said the project would comprise a well-stocked library, a store and an office for the headmaster.

It said provision would be made for a football park and other expansion projects in future.

The Managing Director of HFC, Mr Asare Akuffo, presenting the cheque at the Bank's head office, said the donation was in commemoration of the 50th anniversary celebration of Ghana's Independence. He said HFC recognized the developments in the economy of Ghana over the past 50 years, particularly in the financial and banking sector and felt a responsibility to contribute towards the upliftment of the status of not only its immediate customers but also needy communities. "HFC also recognizes the enormous role education plays in socio-economic development, hence its decision to assist in improving livelihoods and enhancing opportunities through education". Mr Akuffo explained that a careful consideration went into the choice of the beneficiary communities.

"The gesture is also in line with HFC's corporate social responsibility to Ghana," he said, stressing that "for us at HFC Bank, successful corporate social responsibility is an all year round activity".

Kramokrom is a predominantly farming community with about 300 inhabitants. The village has no school and the most accessible JSS is about eight kilometres away.

Osabarima Kwame Frimpong, Asante Akim North District Chief Executive, received the cheque on behalf of the community and thanked the Bank for the support.

He pledged to execute the project on schedule and in the best interest of the beneficiaries. The DCE said the inhabitants had appreciated the project that would bring JSS education closer to their doorsteps. This, he said, would not only encourage more children to go further than primary education and actually stay in school, but also prepare them for higher education and ultimately reduce illiteracy rate and enhance socio-economic activity in the area.