Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives and accelerating development, particularly in rural communities.
For years, schoolchildren at Matekope, a farming community in the Krachi West Municipality of the Oti Region, have had to study in a dilapidated structure, an unfortunate situation that made teaching and learning unattractive for both learners and educators.
In a move to prioritize classroom infrastructure and promote quality education, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Krachi West, Prosper Addo, has commissioned a new three-unit classroom block for the Matekope community.
The facility is expected to improve teaching and learning conditions and provide a more conducive environment for pupils and teachers.
The newly commissioned block will serve as a key basic education facility not only for Matekope but also for surrounding farming communities that depend on the area for access to schooling.
The project comes equipped with furniture, a staff common room for teachers, ceiling fans, and other auxiliary facilities designed to support effective instruction and enhance the overall school environment.
Addressing stakeholders at the commissioning ceremony, Prosper Addo reaffirmed the commitment of government and the Assembly to expanding access to quality education infrastructure across the municipality.
He indicated that the construction of classroom blocks, provision of furniture, and the building of teachers’ bungalows in rural communities remain high on the Assembly’s development agenda.
He expressed confidence that the improved facility would encourage more children of school-going age to return to school and remain in class.
According to him, the poor condition of the previous structure had compelled some parents to send their children to other communities in search of better learning conditions, placing additional burdens on families and limiting access for others.
The MCE therefore urged parents and guardians to prioritize education by ensuring their children attend school regularly.
He also appealed to community members to protect and maintain the new facility to extend its lifespan and preserve it for future generations.
On behalf of the community, former Assembly Member Thomas Gaps, together with chiefs and residents, expressed gratitude to the Krachi West Municipal Assembly and the MCE for addressing a long-standing challenge.
They noted that the dilapidated nature of the old school structure discouraged teachers from accepting postings to the community and pushed some parents to relocate their children for education elsewhere.
While welcoming the new classroom block, the community leaders appealed for the posting of more teachers and the provision of additional logistics to further improve learning outcomes.
They expressed optimism that the new infrastructure, coupled with adequate staffing and support, will mark a turning point for education in Matekope and its adjoining communities.
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