The chiefs and people of Akpafu Odomi on Saturday, April 4, 2026, held their annual Rice Festival and fund-raising durbar at Jubilee Park, combining cultural celebration with a determined push to improve education in the community.
The event, themed “Sustaining Quality Education through Rice Farming,” was used to mobilise resources for the construction of a 12-unit Teachers’ Bungalow. The project aims to ease the daily commuting burden on teachers who travel from Hohoe, attract and retain qualified educators in the area, and ultimately enhance teaching and learning outcomes. It also forms part of broader support for intervention programmes for BECE candidates.
In an interview with the Assembly Member for the area, Mr. Seth Amankwa, disclosed the objectives of the fund-raiser. He commended the Member of Parliament for Guan Constituency, Hon. Fred Kwesi Agbenyo, for his tremendous support towards the initiative and appealed to well-meaning citizens, corporate bodies, and development partners to contribute generously to help bring the project to fruition.
Chief of Akpafu Odomi, Nana Tetteh-Attu IV, in his welcome address, welcomed dignitaries and guests, describing education as pivotal to societal development. He noted the decline in educational standards over the years and called on policymakers to review syllabi to align with current developmental needs. The Chief urged the community to blend indigenous farming practices with modern, innovative, and mechanised agricultural methods to boost rice production while using the proceeds to sustain quality education for children and leave a lasting legacy.
Nana Tetteh-Attu IV specifically entreated all present to contribute their “widow’s mite” to enable the community to cut the sod for the Teachers’ Quarters, which he described as the main target for this year’s celebration.
The Special Guest of Honour, Ms. Sophia Adigbli, Guan District Director of Education, praised the initiative in her speech. She highlighted that the theme aptly demonstrates the interconnection between agriculture and education as pillars of sustainable development. Ms. Adigbli noted that rice farming serves as a vital livelihood for the people of Akpafu Odomi, empowering households to invest in their children’s education.
She commended the chiefs and people for their foresight in tying the festival to the construction of the teachers’ bungalow, stressing that decent accommodation is critical for attracting and retaining qualified teachers in rural communities. This, she said, would lead to improved motivation and better learning outcomes.
Ms. Adigbli also drew attention to key academic interventions in the Guan District, including the annual Guan District Mock Examination and the Coaching and Mentorship Programme for BECE candidates. She appealed for sustained support for both the infrastructure project and these academic programmes.
Other dignitaries present included Hon. Fred Kwesi Agbenyo (MP for Guan Constituency), NDC Constituency executives, and various traditional leaders.
The festival showcased the community’s rich agricultural heritage, particularly rice farming, while reinforcing the commitment of the people of Akpafu Odomi to community-driven development.
Organisers expressed optimism that the funds raised, together with additional support, will significantly address accommodation challenges for teachers and contribute to raising educational standards in the Guan District.
Contributions to the Teachers’ Bungalow project can be directed through the Akpafu Odomi Traditional Council or the office of the Assembly Member.
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