Suhum: Nestl© Ghana, in partnership with ECOM Ghana, has inaugurated new school buildings in Suhum's cocoa-growing communities within the Eastern Region. This initiative aims to enhance educational access and curb child labor in rural areas.
According to Ghana Web, the project was commissioned on Friday, May 22, 2026, and is set to offer a conducive learning environment for hundreds of children who formerly faced inadequate study conditions or traveled long distances to attend school.
During the inauguration ceremony, Sudhir Kumar, Director of ECOM Ghana, emphasized the transformative nature of the project for the communities involved. He highlighted that the previous state of school infrastructure deterred many children from pursuing education. Kumar noted, "This project has been a very exciting one for us. When we first carried out the needs assessment, we realised that more than 200 children were enrolled in the school, but the state of the building was so poor that no child would feel encouraged to study there."
Kumar pointed out that the lack of suitable educational facilities led children to walk several kilometers to find schools, thereby exposing them to potential child labor and other social risks. "When we conducted the assessment, we noticed that some of the children had to travel about five to six kilometers just to attend school elsewhere. In situations where there are no proper schools, children can easily be pushed into child labour," he explained.
He further elaborated on ECOM Ghana's dedication to education, tying it to their broader mission of fostering prosperity in rural areas. He asserted that sustainable development is intrinsically linked to investing in children's education. "Over the years, what we have worked towards is prosperity in rural communities, and that prosperity cannot be achieved without education. Investing in education means investing in Ghana and investing in the future of the country," Kumar stated.
Kumar also described the school project as a testament to the shared commitment of Nestl© Ghana, ECOM Ghana, and the local communities. He expressed optimism that the school would have a lasting positive impact on future generations. "I believe this school represents a collective effort between Nestl©, the community and ECOM Ghana. I am proud that together we have been able to achieve this, and I believe it will go a long way in nurturing not only the children but the entire community and the country as a whole," he remarked.
He concluded by encouraging the community to maintain the facility to ensure its benefits extend to future generations. "I truly hope the community will take good care of this school so that many generations after us will continue to benefit from it," Kumar urged.