Keteke Ghana, Smart Eye spearhead construction of four-unit classroom block in Suhyen

KetekeGhana (KetekeGh) has begun the construction of a four-unit classroom block for pupils of the SDA Primary School in Suhyen in the North Juabeng Municipal Assembly of the Eastern Region.

The exercise is aimed at providing a decent environment to facilitate and enhance the teaching and learning process as the pupils currently sit under an open shed to study.

This leaves them at the mercy of the weather, reduces concentration and attention and makes it difficult to store educational materials and desks.

The project, which is being done in collaboration with Smart Eye Magazine, under its ‘citizen build’ initiative, forms part of the core mission of KetekeGh which has been in existence for the past 6 years.

Together a total of 70bags of cement have been donated already to kick-start the project.

Speaking at the ground breaking ceremony, President of KetekeGh, Akosua Wiafe expressed the volunteer group's commitment to staying true to the principles of the organisation.

She noted that ventures as these will in the long run help in fulfilling the SDGs for a better Ghana n better world.

“We hope to help to enhance an interactive teaching and learning process by donating books and stationary; and also assist in reading through volunteerism. Under sanitation and health, we shall embark on a massive clean-up exercise with these two communities and also educate them on the need to remain healthy in a clean environment at all times. Keteke Ghana will collaborate with relevant stakeholders to see how best we can contribute to address issues pertaining to high illiteracy rate, school drop outs and gambling as they are issues reported to be of concern to community. Our quest to tackle education and sanitation is in line with the Sustainable Development Goals which is a driving force of what we have done over the years” she stated.

Patron of the volunteer group and senior lecturer at GIJ, Yaw Odame Gyau called on institutions and organisations to support the vision to ensure it materialises.



Explaining the rationale for partnering KetekeGh on its humanitarian endeavour, Martin Thompson Ntem, owner of Smart Eye Magazine noted that KetekeGh has established a proven track record over the years and it only makes sense to combine efforts to make the dreams of the under privileged come true.

He also encouraged external bodies to support the plan with any little help they can offer.

Ntem averred “This is our little way of giving back to society especially the very students who patronize our magazines. We believe when we all bring our resource together we can achieve a lot and build our community for our general good. Most of us are students and also volunteering and so we hope the bigger institutions will support our course and contribute to the initiatives we embark on”

Over 4000 exercise books and other educational materials were donated to the schools located in the community.

The chief of Suhyen, Okogyeaman Ankomah Basapon, couldn't hide his delight and hailed the volunteers for using their widows might in a venture such as this. He added that he is overwhelmed by the decision to construct the block saying it is long over due. He pledged to support the process whatever means possible.



Also at a durbar to climax the campaign, MP for the area, Nana Adjei Boateng, said the campaign was timely as it not only fits into govts agenda but also serves as wake up call for the community to carry on from where we left off and sustain the activities started.

He pledged 100 bags of cement for the project and expressed his readiness to assist in whatever way possible.

The sod cutting event was graced by notable personalities in the community including; the Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Comfort Asante, the Municipal Director of Education Mr. B.K. Ofori, the Chief of the Suhyen traditional area Okogyeaman Ankomah Basapon, the Regional Head of SDA schools Rev. Owusu Sarpong, pupils and members of the Suhyen community.

The team also donated used cloths and spent a week in the community schools assisting in teaching and learning process and motivating the students.

The humanitarian task for this year to Suhyen and Mpaem in the Eastern Region was hinged on a comprehensive sanitation and educational plan.

KetekeGh is a humanitarian volunteer group of students mainly from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.

It has embarked on similar campaigns in Greater Accra, Central Western Volta and Ashanti Regions.