By Michael Foli Jackidy, GNA
Tsiyinu (V/R), Jan 15, GNA – Mr Eric Edem Agbana, the Member of Parliament for Ketu North, has commissioned and handed over a newly completed six-unit classroom block with an office, store, and library to the Tsiyinu M/A Basic School.
The commissioning marked a major milestone in efforts to improve educational infrastructure in the community.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Mr Agbana recalled an earlier engagement with residents of Tsiyinu, where concerns were raised about the lack of classrooms and the situation of pupils being compelled to study under trees and makeshift sheds.
He said the condition of the school had deeply troubled him, especially after seeing a video of the pupils learning outdoors during bad weather.
“How do we expect children we hope will become doctors, lawyers, teachers and other professionals to learn under trees?” he asked.
He noted that lessons were often disrupted whenever it rained.
The MP explained that after assuming office, the President initiated investigations into abandoned and uncompleted projects across the country, including those under the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).
He said efforts to trace the original contractor of the Tsiyinu project proved difficult until the school authorities provided contact details.
After further engagements, it became clear that funding constraints had stalled the project.
Mr Agbana said although the project was initially scheduled to be included in the 2026 budget, an alternative contractor agreed to complete the work using his own resources, pending payment after budget approval.
He noted that the new contractor had to redo parts of the structure due to poor-quality materials used previously but had nonetheless completed the project fully.
He expressed gratitude to the contractor for the sacrifice and commitment demonstrated.
Mr Agana said the classroom project was the first project he had completed as MP in Ketu North.
He assured the residents that the six-unit block was only the beginning, adding that the NDC Government was committed to completing all 42 uncompleted GETFund projects in the constituency.
Mr Agbana appealed to parents to support teachers by ensuring their children attended school regularly, stressing that children should not be taken to farms during school hours.
He announced the donation of four streetlights to be installed on the school campus to improve security and prevent the misuse of classrooms at night.
Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, said the commissioning of the classroom block was clear evidence that the votes cast by the people of Tsiyinu and Ketu North were yielding results.
He criticised previous practices where projects were initiated without completion, noting that the current administration was committed to completing both ongoing and inherited projects.
Mr Gunu said the GETFund, which had struggled in recent years, had been revitalised under the current government, leading to nearly 200 education-related projects across the municipality and the wider region.
He assured that all projects would be completed, furnished, and provided with water.
Nono project will be abandoned, he emphasised
Mr Gunu urged students to also play their part by studying hard, noting that the provision of quality infrastructure must translate into improved academic performance and the emergence of notable professionals from the area.
Rev Martin Amenaki, the Municipal Chief Executive of Ketu North, described the previous learning conditions at Tsiyinu as heartbreaking and commended the MP for his persistence in ensuring the project was completed.
He said several development projects were ongoing in the municipality, reflecting the impact of the government’s Reset Agenda.
Rev Amenaki also disclosed plans by the Assembly to construct nurses’ and midwives’ quarters to complement existing health facilities in the area.
He appealed to the community to protect and maintain all development projects to ensure their long-term use.
Mr Gerhard Avudzivi, the Municipal Director of Education, described the facility as a major investment in the future of the children of Tsiyinu and a turning point for the school.
He said the commissioning marked the end of years of learning under difficult conditions and the beginning of a dignified and conducive learning environment.
He expressed appreciation to the MP, the MCE, the Municipal Assembly, traditional authorities, and all stakeholders for their collective efforts and urged the school and community to take ownership of the facility.
He encouraged teachers and pupils to make effective use of the new classrooms to improve teaching and learning outcomes and uphold discipline and excellence.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah
