DCE for Ahafo Ano South-East Commissions New Classroom Block for Banahenekrom JHS
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Ahafo Ano South-East in the Ashanti Region, Mr Nelson Yamba Isaka Ibrahim, has commissioned a newly completed three-unit classroom block for Banahenekrom Junior High School (JHS) to improve access to quality education.
The facility, funded through the District Assemblies Common Fund (DACF), comprises three classrooms, an office, toilet and urinal facilities, as well as other ancillary facilities designed to support effective teaching and learning.
Speaking at a brief ceremony to hand over the facility, Mr Ibrahim said the project forms part of the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
He expressed optimism that the project would help address infrastructure challenges confronting basic schools in the area. He noted that the new block is expected to provide a more comfortable environment for teachers and pupils while contributing to improved academic performance.
The DCE stressed that the provision of infrastructure alone is not enough to guarantee its longevity. He therefore urged the school management, Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), traditional authorities and residents to take collective responsibility for the proper maintenance of the facility.
He emphasised that public facilities belong to the people and must be protected from vandalism, neglect and other activities that could lead to their premature deterioration.
According to him, a good maintenance culture would save the government and communities the huge costs associated with the frequent reconstruction and rehabilitation of public facilities.
Mr Ibrahim further urged the pupils to see the new classroom block as an important investment in their education and future. He encouraged them to take good care of the facility and make maximum use of the opportunity it provides.
He commended all stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the successful completion of the project and appealed for continued collaboration between the District Assembly, the school and the community to address other development needs.
For his part, the Member of Parliament for the Ahafo Ano South-East Constituency, Mr Yakubu Mohammed, warned individuals attempting to encroach on lands belonging to the school and other public institutions to desist from such acts.
The MP indicated that lands acquired for educational and other public purposes are meant to serve the collective interest of the community and must not be converted for private use.
He cautioned prospective developers to verify the ownership and status of lands before commencing any development, stressing that encroachment on public lands could undermine future development projects.
Mr Mohammed urged traditional leaders, assembly members, landowners and residents to work together to protect public lands and ensure that adequate space is preserved for the future expansion of schools and other community facilities.
He said the completion of the new classroom block demonstrated the importance of protecting lands reserved for development, adding that continued encroachment could deprive future generations of essential social infrastructure.
The District Director of Education for Ahafo Ano South-East, Mr Hamidu Kramo, speaking on behalf of the school management, expressed appreciation to the DCE and the MP for their collective efforts in providing the facility, describing it as a major boost to education in the community.
He said the new classroom block would help ease pressure on existing facilities and create a better learning environment for pupils. He assured that the facility would be properly maintained to benefit future generations.
Mr Kramo appealed to the DCE for additional educational resources, including furniture and teaching and learning materials, to complement the new infrastructure.
The event was attended by staff of the Ahafo Ano South-East District Assembly, traditional leaders, education officials, teachers, pupils and community members.
Collins Owusu, ISD
Adugyama
