On 8th January, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, together with the Member of Parliament for South Tongu, Hon. Maxwell Lukutor, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Victoria Dzeklo, and other officials, cut the sod for the construction of CHPS compounds and classroom blocks in the South Tongu District.
The program took place at four communities namely, Agorgbe, Lakpo, Lolito/Nyinuto, and Aglokpovia. The projects aim to improve access to quality healthcare and education.
The programme commenced with a welcome address by the Assistant Director I (AD I), Mr. Frimpong, who expressed gratitude to the communities for releasing land for the projects. He urged residents to be patriotic and support the construction, protection, and maintenance of the facilities.
Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, commended the Member of Parliament and the District Chief Executive for their commitment and adherence to government policies aimed at achieving the President’s vision. He noted that the construction of CHPS compounds remains a key government priority, emphasizing that a healthy population is essential for national development. He added that free primary healthcare is a step in the right direction. Hon. James Gunu also donated an amount of GH¢20,000.00 to the Lakpo community to support efforts to address their water challenges.
The Member of Parliament, Hon. Maxwell Lukutor, commended the communities for their enthusiasm and support for the projects. He cautioned residents against theft, which could jeopardize the successful completion of the projects, and urged contractors to engage local artisans to create employment opportunities within the communities.
In her address, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Victoria Dzeklo, thanked the chiefs and people of the beneficiary communities for their cooperation. She stressed the importance of CHPS compounds in bridging healthcare gaps, reducing mortality, and bringing quality healthcare services closer to the people. She cautioned women against relying on home deliveries and encouraged them to seek professional healthcare services at health facilities. She also expressed appreciation to the landowners and appealed for unity and peaceful coexistence to ensure the successful completion of the projects.
The District Engineer, Mr. Simon Defoe, who also serves as the liaison between the Assembly and the contractor, gave a detailed breakdown of the scope of work to be undertaken and explained how the communities could contribute to the successful execution of the projects.
Addressing the gathering, the District Health Director, Madam Mavis Agumey, emphasized that the facilities belong to the communities and must therefore be protected and well maintained. She appealed to the communities to provide security to safeguard both the facilities and the workers throughout the construction period.
The Director of Education, Madam Celestine Korsi, highlighted the importance of modern classroom infrastructure in enhancing teaching and learning outcomes. She explained that safe and modern classrooms encourage pupils to enjoy school and motivate teachers to deliver quality education. She further explained that the word “Kindergarten” is of German origin, meaning “garden of children,” where teachers serve as gardeners and children as plants. She encouraged residents of Aglopovia and surrounding communities to enroll their wards in preschool to acquire early childhood education.
