Dzodze: Mr. James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, emphasized significant improvements in education infrastructure, heralding the government's renewed commitment to directing development resources to the grassroots level. He made this statement during a sod-cutting ceremony on January 14 for the construction of a two-unit Kindergarten (KG) block at Dzodze Fiagbedu R.C. Basic School.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Gunu highlighted that since the decentralization in 1988 and the introduction of the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF) in 1992, local assemblies have struggled to secure sufficient funding for development needs. He pointed out that substantial portions of the Common Fund had historically failed to reach assemblies, thereby depriving communities of essential infrastructure.
However, Mr. Gunu noted that under President John Dramani Mahama, there has been a significant shift, with about 80 percent of the DACF being released directly to assemblies to support development projects. This change, he explained, has revealed the true potential of the Common Fund in tackling local development challenges, especially in the education sector.
He further identified the lack of adequate classrooms and learning materials, particularly at the kindergarten level, as critical issues facing communities. He stressed the importance of early childhood education, stating, "If the foundation is weak, whatever you build on it will not last."