Regional News of Wednesday, 8 July 2026

Source: Nana Peprah, Contributor

Denying children ICT access threatens their future – Prof Kingsley Nyarko

Prof Kingsley Nyarko (Kwadaso MP) in a group picture with some teaching staff, dignitaries Prof Kingsley Nyarko (Kwadaso MP) in a group picture with some teaching staff, dignitaries

Professor Kingsley Nyarko, Member of Parliament for the Kwadaso Constituency, has stressed that denying children access to modern Information and Communication Technology (ICT) facilities would undermine their competitiveness in today's technology-driven world.

He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting ICT education and urged the government to prioritise and increase investment in the sector.

The MP made the remarks during separate ceremonies at which he donated and commissioned state-of-the-art ICT laboratories at Apatrapa Roman Catholic Basic School and Ohwimase Anglican Basic School. He said the initiative is aimed at enhancing digital education for pupils in his constituency.

Each beneficiary school received a comprehensive package of ICT equipment, personally funded by Prof. Nyarko. The donation included 15 desktop computers, a projector, a projector screen, desks and chairs to fully equip the newly established ICT centres.

The commissioning ceremonies were attended by the Kwadaso Municipal Chief Executive, Eric Assibey; Deputy Municipal Education Director, Louis Boakye; traditional authorities; education stakeholders; assembly members; and community leaders.

Addressing guests at Ohwimase Anglican Basic School, Prof. Nyarko underscored the critical role of ICT in modern education and national development. He expressed concern that many public schools, particularly at the basic level, still lack essential ICT infrastructure.

The MP recounted his shock after discovering that some teachers were compelled to use their personal mobile phones to teach ICT lessons because their schools lacked functional computers.

"In this day and age, this shouldn't happen," he said, describing the situation as deeply worrying.

He therefore called on the government and other political leaders to make ICT education a national priority by ensuring that schools are adequately equipped with digital learning tools. While acknowledging ongoing government efforts, he urged increased investment in ICT infrastructure for public schools nationwide.

Reaffirming his commitment to expanding digital education in his constituency, Prof. Nyarko pledged that every school under his jurisdiction would eventually benefit from similar interventions.

"As long as I remain the Member of Parliament, I will ensure that schools in my constituency are provided with ICT centres to make teaching and learning easier and more effective. With God's help, I will fulfil this promise," he said.

The MP also praised the cordial working relationship between himself and the Kwadaso Municipal Chief Executive, Eric Assibey, saying the development of Kwadaso remains their shared objective.

"Our focus is development, progress and posterity. Politics should never stand in the way of improving the lives of our people or development," he said.

In response, the Municipal Chief Executive commended the MP for his commitment to education and pledged continued collaboration to accelerate development across the municipality.

He also appealed to the management of the beneficiary schools to prioritise the maintenance of the laboratories and equipment to ensure they serve future generations of pupils.

The Headmistress of Ohwimase Anglican Basic School, Gladys Boatemaa, praised Prof. Nyarko's donation, describing the intervention as a landmark contribution that would enhance teaching and learning.

Similarly, the Headmistress of Apatrapa Roman Catholic Basic School, Cecilia Owusu Atuahene, expressed gratitude, noting that without the MP's support, acquiring such expensive equipment would have taken the school many years.

She said the computers would make ICT lessons more practical, reduce teachers' workload and provide pupils with valuable hands-on experience to prepare them for the digital future.