Barekuma new JSS block inaugurated

Barekuma (Ash), Sept 25, GNA - Mr Thomas Ofori-Donkor, the Atwima-Nwabiagya District Chief Executive, has inaugurated a 100 million-cedi three-classroom Junior Secondary School (JSS) block for the people of Barekuma near Adankwame. The residents contributed through self-help while the district assembly provided building materials and technical expertise. It replaces the old dilapidated school block constructed about 40 years ago.

Mr Ofori-Donkor said education was the key to the rapid development of any society but expressed regret that most parents in the community attach less importance to the education of their children. He said the district assembly has initiated a programme to furnish all the basic schools in the district with adequate furniture to improve teaching and learning.

Mr Ofori-Donkor said the 12-kilometre Esaso-Marbang feeder road would soon be re-gravelled and later tarred. Mr Eddy Obeng-Darko, the District Director of Education, said the introduction of the Capitation Grant by the government was aimed at encouraging more school-going age children to have access to formal basic education and advised parents to send their children to school. He cautioned the school communities against the diversion of the grants for other purposes and urged them to ensure transparency and accountability in their financial management. Mr Obeng-Darko reiterated his call to the communities to desist from defecating in the classrooms, which, he said was rampant in the district.

Nana Kwasi Tabiri, the regent of the town, advised the residents to co-operate and assist the teachers posted to the area to find suitable and decent living accommodation.

The DCE later honoured six citizens of the town for their patriotism, selflessness, dedication and immense contribution to the socio-economic development of the area.

They were Nana Kofi Nkrumah, an ex-chief of the town, Mr S.K. Awuah, a retired educationist, Mr Eric Nkruma Adasa, Madam Ama Serwaa, Madam Ama Ketewa and Madam Comfort Anane.