Correspondence from the Eastern Region

The Member of Parliament (MP) for Yilo Krobo in the Eastern Region, Albert Tetteh Nyarkotey, has reaffirmed his commitment to educational empowerment by supporting 220 newly admitted Senior High School students across the constituency under his “Back to School Package” initiative.

The event, held on Tuesday, October 7, 2025, at the Yilo Krobo Municipal Education Directorate in Somanya, celebrated the best-performing Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) students from all Junior High Schools (JHSs) in the municipality as well as brilliant but needy learners who excelled against the odds.

Speaking at the ceremony, Nyarkotey said the gesture was more than a donation — it was a deliberate investment in the intellectual growth and leadership potential of Yilo Krobo’s youth.

“This transition from JHS to SHS is not just an academic step; it is a turning point that shapes character, resilience, and leadership,” the MP said. “Through this initiative, we are empowering the next generation of change-makers who will lead Yilo Krobo to greater heights.”

Each beneficiary received a package containing a student mattress, exercise books, pens, and a modern plastic chop box — essential supplies to ease the financial strain on parents preparing their wards for Senior High School.

The legislator commended parents and guardians for their sacrifices and urged them to remain active partners in their children’s educational journey. He also encouraged students to see the support as a call to diligence, excellence, and self-discipline.

“Success is not a destination but a journey,” he said. “Do not be content with this recognition; use it as motivation to learn harder and make your families and community proud.”

Community Collaboration for a Brighter Future

The ceremony drew key stakeholders from across the municipality — including the Divisional Chief of Plau, Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Municipal Director of Education, and Municipal Health Director — reflecting strong inter-agency collaboration in promoting youth development.

Divisional Chief of Plau, Nene Djaba Agbleze IV, who chaired the event, reflected on the collective belief that education thrives best when leaders, families, and students work hand in hand. He emphasized discipline, hard work, and moral uprightness aligned with the MP’s vision of holistic empowerment — one that nurtures not only bright minds but responsible citizens.

“Education is important. The government is doing well with Free SHS, but that’s not all. The MP has done well by recognizing the need to support the students. You, the beneficiaries, should strive to be like him by striving to rise to his position. Avoid bad habits like drug abuse — we’ll all continue to support the MP," he noted.

The MCE, Francis Addo Akumatey, praised the initiative as timely and impactful, noting that even though the government’s Free SHS policy had reduced the cost of education, families still bore complementary expenses that could be overwhelming.

“This intervention comes at an opportune time and will go a long way to ease the burden on parents,” he said. “Beyond the material support, this initiative motivates other students to study harder, knowing their excellence will be recognized.”

The Municipal Director of Education, John Kwame Gasu, also lauded the MP for complementing the efforts of the Ghana Education Service, describing the initiative as a “practical show of leadership that touches the real needs of families.”

Education and Health: A Dual Investment

Adding a health dimension to the empowerment theme, the Municipal Director of Health Services, Irina Ofei, commended the MP’s initiative while urging students and parents to prioritize good health practices alongside academic pursuits.
She cautioned against rising cases of teenage pregnancy and substance abuse among adolescents, noting that these issues threaten the dreams and future of many young people.

Ofei also announced the upcoming nationwide HPV vaccination exercise starting Wednesday, October 8, 2025, which aims to protect young girls against cervical cancer. She called on parents to ensure their daughters participate in the exercise.

Traditional Leaders Reinforce the Message

Inspiring the Next Generation

The event concluded with words of gratitude from school heads, parents, and students, who described the initiative as “timely relief” and “inspiring recognition.”

For many of the beneficiaries, the support symbolizes not only encouragement but also a reminder that academic excellence is rewarded.
“There are many who wish they could be here today, but you are the lucky ones,” the Education Director reminded the students. “Make the MP proud. Learn hard and remember that your success will open doors for others.”

As Yilo Krobo’s youth embark on their Senior High School journey, the MP’s “Back to School Package” stands as a beacon of hope — combining education, empowerment, and collaboration to build a future where every child, regardless of background, can thrive and lead.