The Member of Parliament for Lower West Akim, Owen Kwame Frimpong, in collaboration with Fair Trade West Africa, the West Akim Co-operative Union, and funding partners, has cut sod for the construction of a three-unit classroom block for Awaham M/A JHS.
Addressing the gathering, the MP expressed profound appreciation to Fair Trade West Africa, the Co-operative Union, and their funding partners for selecting Awaham as a beneficiary of this intervention. He noted that education is a cornerstone of sustainable development and remains central to his vision for the constituency.
“This project is not just a physical structure; it is a beacon of hope for our children,” he said.
“No child in Awaham should struggle to study in overcrowded or unsafe classrooms. We must provide them with the right environment to learn, grow, and compete with their peers across the country. That is the legacy we want to leave.”
He further assured the gathering that his office, in collaboration with the Municipal Assembly, will continue to seek development partnerships that prioritise education, healthcare, and job creation for the people of West Akim.
Representatives of Fair Trade West Africa and the West Akim Co-operative Union explained that the project aligns with their mission of reinvesting fair trade resources into social and economic development initiatives that directly benefit communities. According to them, education remains a top priority because it guarantees long-term improvements in livelihoods and opportunities for future generations.
“Fair trade is not only about commerce; it is about fairness, reinvestment, and giving back to the communities whose hard work sustains global markets,” one representative noted.
“By building this classroom block, we are building futures.”
Municipal Assembly’s Support
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) commended the collaborative effort behind the project, assuring stakeholders of the Assembly’s technical and logistical support to ensure its timely completion. He also emphasised the need for the community to cultivate a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the facility once completed.
“This classroom block belongs to Awaham,” he said. “We expect parents, teachers, and pupils to not only use it but to protect and maintain it for future generations.”
Community Reaction
Parents and community leaders who attended the ceremony could not hide their excitement. Many spoke of the struggles their children endured, often learning in congested spaces or makeshift structures that were not conducive to effective studies. They expressed gratitude to the partners and pledged their support in safeguarding the project.
A parent, speaking on behalf of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), remarked: “For years, our children have been disadvantaged due to the lack of adequate infrastructure. This intervention has lifted a huge burden from us. We are confident that our children can now learn in dignity and comfort.”
A Symbol of Partnership
The sod-cutting ceremony was not only about commencing a construction project but also about reaffirming the power of partnership between government, development partners, and local communities. Cultural displays and traditional prayers added colour to the occasion, symbolising unity and a shared vision for progress.
When completed, the three-unit classroom block will significantly expand the school’s capacity, reduce congestion, and create a conducive atmosphere for effective teaching and learning. Beyond its physical impact, the facility will stand as a reminder of how collaboration and purposeful investment in education can change lives.
For the people of Awaham, this project is more than a building—it is a promise of a brighter future for their children.
