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The Techiman North District Assembly, in collaboration with the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, has commissioned a six-unit classroom block for the Droboagya Basic School in the Bono East Region.
The project, funded by the Government of Japan through its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP), was executed by M/S Cimatron Company Limited. It seeks to improve educational infrastructure and enhance teaching and learning in the community.
Addressing the gathering, the Techiman North District Chief Executive, Hon. Adom Kwabena Johnson, recounted how the Member of Parliament for Techiman North and Minister of Trade and Agri-business, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, lobbied the Embassy of Japan to secure funding for the project. He explained that her motivation was inspired by her late father, Hon. I. K. Adjei-Mensah, a former MP for the constituency, who had provided the school’s first government intervention by donating roofing sheets
“When Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare was elected as the Member of Parliament for Techiman North, she visited this community and was saddened by the state of the school and the quality of education.
“However, she was inspired to help raise the standard of education when she learned that the first government intervention for this school had come through her late father, Hon. I. K. Adjei-Mensah, a former Member of Parliament for Techiman North.
“Hon. Elizabeth has always been motivated to continue her father’s legacy. Upon discovering that it was her father who had provided roofing sheets for the school, the very first government intervention, she felt strongly encouraged to support the construction of a befitting school block for the community.” He said
Hon. Adom Johnson, while praising the efforts of the Techiman North MP, also commended the Embassy of Japan for their unwavering support and commitment to the project.
He noted that, in pursuit of this goal, the MP consulted the Embassy of Japan and, through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, secured funding for the construction of the classroom block we see today.
“In pursuit of this goal, she consulted the Embassy of Japan, and through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, secured funding for the construction of the classroom block we see today.
“Throughout the process, the former Japanese Ambassador to Ghana visited the community several times and held discussions with her, leading to the successful completion of this beautiful edifice.” He stated.
On behalf of Hon. Elizabeth, the Techiman North DCE commended the traditional council, the District Assembly, and the Education Directorate for their support and urged the school and community to ensure proper use and maintenance of the building so that it can serve Droboagya and surrounding communities for many years.
“Hon. Elizabeth expressed her gratitude to the traditional council, the District Assembly, and the Education Directorate for fulfilling their commitments towards the construction of the classroom block. While what we see today is beautiful, the most important thing is to make good use of it and maintain it properly so it can serve Droboagya and the surrounding communities for many years.”
The Japan Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto expressed delight at being part of the ceremony and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana. He disclosed that the project reflects the strong and enduring friendship between Ghana and Japan, made possible through the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP).
“I am very pleased to be part of you today as we commission this 6-unit classroom block for the people of Droboagya. For many years, Japan and Ghana have maintained a strong and enduring friendship, which has made this project possible. Handing over this new school block reaffirms the significance of our friendship and our ever-growing bilateral cooperation.”
H.E. Hiroshi Yoshimoto stressed the importance of education as the foundation of national development, adding that the project will help transform learning in the community. He further expressed appreciation to the Techiman North District Education Directorate for identifying the school’s infrastructural challenges and ensuring the smooth implementation of the project.
“Quality education is the bedrock of national development, and we thank God that the children in this community will now have access to improved educational facilities through this project. Permit me to express my sincere appreciation to the Techiman North District Education Directorate for identifying the challenges faced by the Droboagya community in relation to educational infrastructure.” He disclosed.
The Grant Coordinator at the Embassy of Japan, Joseph Ayinka, emphasized the importance of due diligence in project selection. He explained that after the District Education Directorate submitted its application, officials from the embassy visited Droboagya to verify the situation.
“We have to do due diligence in selecting which projects merit the grant. When we received the application from the Techiman North Education Directorate, we came to Droboagya to confirm the situation. To be honest, we were deeply touched by the scene we witnessed, children studying under trees, which was very disheartening.
“We went back to the Embassy and wrote a report which was forwarded to Tokyo. Based on that report, they also had compassion and approved the grant for us to build this facility. That is why we are here today, commissioning it together.
“Everybody is happy, the community is excited, and you can see the energy and enthusiasm. We are proud of this achievement and happy for the people of Droboagya.” He told our reporter.
The Headteacher of Droboagya Basic School, Mr. Abubakar Sadique Seidu, on his part shared the school’s remarkable transformation story during the commissioning of a newly built six-unit classroom block funded by the Government of Japan under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGHSP).
Recounting his journey since being posted to the school in 2008, he revealed that Droboagya Basic School began with just 30 to 50 pupils and two teachers, including himself. Shortly after his arrival, the headteacher at the time retired, leaving him to take over leadership of the school.
“I was posted here in 2008, and at that time, the school’s population was about 30 to 50 pupils with only two teachers, the headteacher, who was trained, and one community teacher. Shortly after I arrived, the headteacher went on pension, and I had to take over. Our major challenge then was infrastructure, as learners studied under cashew trees.
“Despite the numerous challenges, I decided to stay and contribute my quota to the community. I went on a house-to-house campaign to encourage parents to enroll their children in school. I also engaged the District Education Directorate for support, and as a result, four more teachers were posted to enhance teaching and learning.” He stated.
According to him, the turning point came when JoyNews produced a documentary on the school’s deplorable conditions, which went viral. This drew the attention of the Embassy of Japan and eventually led to funding for the construction of a new classroom block. Although the project was initially delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, it resumed in 2023 and has now been completed.
“JoyNews later produced a documentary on the school, which went viral, drawing the attention of the Embassy of Japan. The Embassy decided to fund the construction of a new classroom block. However, the project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, the project resumed, and today, we are here commissioning the school block. For this, we are very grateful.”
In addition to the classroom block, the Embassy of Japan also provided a mechanized borehole to serve as a source of potable water for the school, helping address another major challenge faced by pupils and teachers.
The headteacher expressed profound appreciation to the Embassy of Japan, the Member of Parliament for Techiman North, Hon. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, and the Techiman North District Assembly for their support. He, however, appealed for urgent attention to the deplorable road network from Tuobodom to Droboagya, which becomes impassable during the rainy season.
“Another major challenge was access to potable water. Thankfully, after constructing the school block, the Embassy of Japan also provided a mechanized borehole to serve as a source of water for the school.
“We are deeply grateful to the Embassy of Japan, our Member of Parliament, and the District Assembly for coming to our aid. However, the road network from Tuobodom to this community remains in a deplorable state. Teachers are often unable to attend class whenever it rains because the road becomes impassable.
“We would be most grateful if our road could be constructed, and if possible, if a two- or three-bedroom bungalow could be built to accommodate teachers in this community.” He explained
Source: Ghanaweb.mobi
