ActionAid Ghana, an international non-governmental organisation (NGO), has donated 1,773 furniture to the Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon Sule Salifu to onward distribution to selected schools in the Tamale Metropolitan Area. 

Mayor Sule Salifu upon receiving the  handed them  over to the Northern Regional Director of Ghana Education Service (GES), Hajia Katumi Nantogmah Attah for onward distribution to some 24 Head Teachers of beneficiary schools including Kindergartens in the Metropolis. 

Handing over the furniture at  a brief ceremony, Country Director of ActionAid Ghana, Mr John Nkaw, said the gesture is to compliment the Metropolitan Assembly’s effort in addressing the school furniture deficit in the Tamale Metropolitan Area 

“Indeed, the Metropolitan Chief Executive has already amplified some of the dire challenges of the Metropolis in respect of furniture distribution across the region, but this is also in fulfillment of efforts towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals 4 which obligates all United Nations (UN) member countries to ensure an inclusive equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all”, he indicated. 

He highlighted that, the country has about 5.8 million children in basic schools. Out of this number, 1.12 million are in kindergarten (KG), with 3.2 million in primary, and 1.4 million in Junior High Schools. 

Mr Nkaw further stated that the Ministry of Education’s (MoE) estimates as of the year 2021, about 596,000 kindergarten pupils, 1.28 million primary school pupils, and 425,000 junior high school students lacked access to dual desk in basic schools. Saying it is against this background that ActionAid working through its regional programmes, examined the facts through a needs assessment of the furniture situation in the metropolis and decided to intervene in the complimentary gesture as amplified by the MCE already. 

He applauded the MCE and his team for making education a priority.

The Tamale Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon Sule Salifu thanked ActionAid Ghana for the support and said the achievement is a testament to the power of collaboration, compassion, and community spirit.

 He acknowledged all for playing vital roles in ensuring the success of the support.

On her part, Northern Regional Director of GES, Hajia Katumi Attah Nantogmah, expressed joy about the gesture.

She promised ActionAid Ghana that  she would  ensure that the teachers and pupils put the furniture to judicious use. 

She said the Northern Region GES under her leadership will cultivate maintenance culture towards the furniture.

“It is our hope and prayer that the next time you come and see it, you will be happy to give us more. That tells us that we are going to cultivate maintenance culture”.

She said community members will be involved to play a major role in protecting school furniture and other properties.

In Ghana, ActionAid supports the basic needs and rights of the poor, with an emphasis on human rights, women's rights, land rights and the right to education.

*Sources: The Voiceless Media*

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