Osabarima Ansa Sasraku, Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of Akuapem has called on all Ghanaians to make the education of children their priority.
Nana explained that ensuring the education of children and young people in the country is a sacred duty entrusted to all of us.
Nana was speaking at a special Ohum Durbar at Akyem Ati during which a newly refurbished library of the local Presbyterian Basic Schools was commissioned.
He was the Special Guest of Honour at the function. He lauded his host, Atihene Barima Ati Awuah Kwaako with whom they shared a common vision on education and overall development for their two communities.
On his part, the Atihene was full of praise for Rainbow Trust Foundation which refurbished the library and has provided one thousand new books covering all subjects and genres, including fiction. Nana also praised the teachers of the various schools in the town for their dedication and sense of duty.
The Municipal Chief Executive of the Abuakwa North Municipality, Alhaji Babs Bodinga, assured the chiefs and people of Ati of the support of the government and observed that the purpose of the library was in line with the government’s policy and recounted the recent support of the Municipal Assembly for the education sector.
He was full of praise for the Atihene and the Traditional Council as well as the Rainbow Trust Foundation for refurbishing the library and stocking it with more than one thousand new books.
Madam Joyce Phyllis Ampofo, the CEO of Rainbow Trust Foundation commended the Chiefs and Elders of Ati for seeking the welfare of the children at all times.
She demonstrated the way books should be handled to keep them fresh and clean and entreated parents to take a keen interest in their children’s reading. She commended Book Aid UK for providing books and support for her Foundation’s work.
Nene Okukrubour Tei Kwesi Agyeman V, the Chief of Dodowa who chaired the function called on the teachers to inculcate in their pupils respect for African values by putting emphasis on African and Ghanaian specific cultural content in what they teach the children.
He observed that when children learn Ghanaian dances and songs, for example, they tend to appreciate our culture and therefore value themselves as Ghanaians and Africans.
The Municipal Director of Education, Miss Abena Gyamera who received the refurbished library on behalf of the Community said the importance of the library could not be overemphasized and announced that the library had come at a good time because the Municipality was about to start a reading competition and other activities aimed at enhancing literacy in the area.
She promised that the Education authorities would ensure that the books would be put to their intended use.
Gordon Guggisberg Nartey, the Headteacher of the New Tafo Presby JHS at Ati spoke on behalf of the teachers and promised to help the children to enjoy the full benefits of the library.
In an exclusive interview with the Apagyahene of Akyem Ati, Bafour Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, he explained that the provision of the refurbished library at this time fitted in with the vision of the Atihene and the aspirations of the community.
“The Atihene selected education as his main focus when he was enstooled. Specifically, he promised to lead his Palace to build a community library for the town. While plans are going for that project, we met Rainbow Trust Foundation whose CEO, Madam Phyllis Ampofo, agreed to come to the aid of the town and refurbish the library.
The Foundation has also provided a specialised boxful of books to the local Roman Catholic Basic School and promised to give a similar box to the four schools in the community”.
Nana Gyan-Apenteng described the Foundation’s intervention as Godsent and was full of praise for its CEO, whom he has christened “Ghana’s Madam Books”. “She is doing so well for deprived communities all of the country and deserves every support to strengthen what she does”.
The Apagyahene explained that the Foundation, in addition to providing over one thousand books for the refurbished library, also trained five teachers in basic library services so that they can help the children to put the library to maximum use.
Correspondent
