By: A news desk Report

The Mampong Municipal Director of Education, Prince Owusu-Ansah, has emphasized that quality formal education remains the cornerstone of any thriving society, especially Ghana.

According to him, through education, young minds are empowered, potential leaders nurtured while paving the way for a brighter tomorrow, for which all stakeholders must contribute their quota towards providing the most conducive environment for teaching and learning to thrive.

Rev. Fr. Philip Agyei receiving document to the building plot from the queen mother of Hwidiem

Mr. Owusu-Ansah made the call at Hwidiem in the Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti region at the inauguration of a new classroom block for the local M/A Primary School.

The new six-classrooms block with an ICT Centre, a Library, Offices and a Store, was financed by the Parishners of the Spires of Faith Cluster of Dyersville in Iowa of the United States through an appeal by a native of Hwidiem, Reverend Father Philip Agyei as a memorial of his 10th anniversary of priesthood.

The new 6-classrooms block with ancillary facilities before inuaguration

It replaces the dilapidated structure built in 1977 which had some of the classrooms being shared by some of the classes and had never seen any maintenance since its establishment.

It had therefore become a major disincentive to school enrolment, attendance, teaching and learning.

Prince Owusu-Ansah, Mampong Municipal Director of Education

The Assembly Member for the Nintin Electoral Area, Nicholas Osei-Wusu secured enough age appropriate desks from the Mampong Municipal Assembly for all the classrooms to allow for academic work to take place.

The Mampong Municipal Director of Education, Prince Owusu-Ansah, described the new school block as more than mortar and brick since it represents hope, opportunity and a brighter future for the children.

“Today, we take an important step towards enhancing the educational experiences of our learners, and this new building is a testament to our commitment to this cause. The school building is more than just bricks and mortar, it represents hope, opportunity, and a brighter future for our children”, he asserted.

The Municipal Director of Education asked for a closer partnership among the traditional, community leaders and the teachers to periodically inspect the structure and the premises to identify issues for prompt maintenance so as to keep for many years to serve the donors’ intention of providing a congenial environment for quality teaching and learning for the desired outcomes.

He said, “permit me to make this Clarion call to our community leaders, teachers, the learners and all those who matter to ensure that these facilities serve our community for many years to come. I urge everyone to take good care of them. Implement security measures to prevent vandalism and writing on the walls by children.”

Rev. Fr. Philip Agyei explained that, his gesture to seek support for the school was to give back to his alma matta in appreciation for how far he has come in life.

“As many of you know, I had the honour of attending school here and it was within these very walls that I received the foundation that helped shape me into the person I am today. Today, as a priest and a member of this community, it is my turn to give back”, he said.

The Chief of Hwidiem, Nana Omono Asamoah Agyekumhene, commending Rev. Fr. Agyei and his benefactors for the enormous support, announced a decision by the community to re-name the school after Francis Xavier in appreciation to the donors.

“The new facilities stand as a testament to your commitment to the betterment of our community, and for this, we are eternally grateful.your recognition of your profound impact and in honour of our shared values, my kinsmen and I have resolutely decided to the stewardship of Hwidiem M/A Basic School to the Catholic Church”, he announced.

In further appreciation to his gesture, the Hwidiemhene and queen mother presented documents covering one building plot to Rev. Fr. Agyei for his good intentions for development of the community.

They as well presented a plaque and citation to him and also to the benefactors in USA for their generosity.