Accra: Mr. Peter Nortsu-Kotoe, Member of Parliament for Akatsi North, has initiated a series of educational infrastructure projects designed to enhance learning conditions and improve teacher welfare throughout the district.
According to Ghana News Agency, in collaboration with the Akatsi North District Assembly, the MP launched the construction of multiple classroom blocks and teachers' bungalows in selected communities. Among the projects are a three-unit classroom block at Lome-Ghana Basic School, six-unit teachers' bungalows with toilet facilities at both Lome-Ghana Basic School and Kpohe Basic School, and two-unit Kindergarten (KG) classroom blocks with additional facilities at E.P. Basic School and Ave Afiadenyigba Gboxoxome.
Additional projects include a six-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at Nuaxorve Basic School, a six-unit teachers' bungalow with toilet facilities also at Nuaxorve Basic School, and a two-unit KG block with ancillary facilities alongside a three-unit Junior High School (JHS) block at Ashiagborvi Basic School.
Mr. Nortsu-Kotoe emphasized that these initiatives align with a shared vision between himself and the District Chief Executive (DCE) to eliminate classroom deficits in the district by year-end. He underscored that the motivation behind the initiative is to prevent current pupils from experiencing the inadequate infrastructure challenges faced by past students.
A focal point of the projects is improving teacher accommodation, particularly in schools distant from major roads, to enhance comfort, punctuality, and teaching effectiveness. The MP also called on parents to provide for their children's basic needs and ensure their timely attendance at school.
He encouraged teachers, school authorities, traditional leaders, and community members to take responsibility for the projects, safeguarding materials against theft and supporting contractors to deliver quality work on schedule. He assured residents of project completion and handover by the end of the year.
Mr. Bless Kojo Katamani, District Chief Executive for Akatsi North, remarked that elections enable citizens to make decisions influencing development over a four-year period. He noted that the current educational infrastructure investments result from sound electoral choices.
Commending the MP for his initiative, Mr. Katamani urged contractors to hire local artisans, fostering employment opportunities and stimulating the local economy. He also called on residents to secure project sites against material theft, which could compromise quality and delay completion. He advised workers against excessive financial demands that might burden contractors.
On behalf of the Akatsi North District Education Directorate, Mr. Michael Katamani, Monitoring, Planning and Evaluation Officer, expressed gratitude to the MP for the classroom blocks and teachers' bungalows. He highlighted that these facilities would alleviate the challenges faced by teachers who travel long distances, often arriving late and fatigued, thus impacting academic performance negatively.
He urged school authorities to maintain the facilities upon completion and called on parents to support their children's education at home. Mr. Katamani pointed out reading difficulties as a significant issue in the district and encouraged parents to assist their children with reading, given that they spend more time at home than in school.
School authorities, assembly members, parents, and traditional leaders expressed their appreciation for the projects and committed to protecting the facilities post-completion. They also motivated pupils to excel in their studies and utilize the improved learning environment to become responsible future leaders.