Member of Parliament for Akrofuom Constituency of the Ashanti Region, Honourable Joseph Azumah, has reiterated his commitment to improving education in the district, saying he has invested heavily in initiatives to bridge the gap between rich and poor students.
Speaking in an interview with the media after hosting students from his constituency who visited Parliament, Mr. Azumah emphasized his commitment to education as the surest path to national development.
“Education is the only bridge that can bring the poor and the rich together on one table,” he stated, stressing,“That is why I have always put a lot of resources into it.”
The MP disclosed that on 5th March this year, he launched a major education support initiative.
As part of it, he distributed 60,000 free exercise books to all students in the district, with 1,000 copies presented to pupils on the launch day alone. On the same day, he also gave out 500 school uniforms to students at Damponyase and Wamase.
He said the interventions are aimed at easing the financial burden on parents and ensuring that no child is left out of school due to a lack of basic needs.
“My focus is on creating equal opportunities for all children in Akrofuom,” he added.
Beyond stationery, Mr. Azumah said he is building a school at Wamase with his Common Fund.
He has also instituted an annual award scheme for academic excellence. Last year, the best 30 BECE students in the district were honored, and he said the gesture will be repeated this year.
To strengthen supervision, the MP has provided motorbikes to all circuit supervisors in the district and donated laptops and other equipment to the District Education Office.
He said the equipment will help officials keep proper records and plan activities more effectively.
Addressing the students during their visit to Parliament, Mr. Azumah urged them to be disciplined and committed to their books.
“It is not by miracle that you become a doctor, a minister, a member of parliament, a teacher, and many more. It is about how you want your future to be. You have the power in your hands,” he told them.
He also cautioned them on health risks, referencing a recent statement by the Interior Minister that about 1,300 applicants in the recent security services recruitment were found to be HIV positive. “The thing is real, and nobody is immune,” he warned.
For many of the students, it was their first visit to Accra. Mr. Azumah said he hoped the exposure would motivate them to aim higher.
“That should be enough motivation for them to go and learn so that they will come here again as Members of Parliament, directors, military men, soldiers, accountants, medical practitioners, and many more.”
By Prosper Kwaku Selassy Agbitor
About The Author
