Avakpedome: International Needs Ghana, a Non-Governmental Organisation, has handed over a nine-unit modern washroom facility to the Avakpedome D/A Basic School in the Central Tongu District, to help address sanitation challenges and promote hygiene among pupils and teachers.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project, valued at GHS350,000, was funded by International Needs Canada and implemented by International Needs Ghana, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES). Mr. Cromwell Awadey, the Executive Director of International Needs Ghana, stated that the facility was designed to ensure inclusive and decent sanitation for all users, including persons with disabilities.
He explained that the structure comprised three toilet cubicles and three urinal pots for boys, four cubicles and a changing room for girls, as well as separate washrooms for male and female teachers. ‘One unique feature about the facility is that one cubicle each on both the boys’ and girls’ sides is fitted with supportive holders to enable visually impaired pupils to use it independently,’ Mr. Awadey noted.
He urged the school authorities and pupils to maintain the facility properly, stressing that ‘keeping a washroom clean does not require much money – just water, soap, and commitment.’ Mr. Awadey expressed gratitude to International Needs Canada for their continuous support and reaffirmed his organisation’s commitment to improving educational and sanitation infrastructure in deprived communities.
Ms. Theresa Bada, a representative from the Central Tongu District Education Directorate, commended International Needs Ghana and its partners for the intervention, describing it as a ‘timely support’ that would enhance hygiene and improve teaching and learning. ‘This facility will ensure good sanitation among the pupils and contribute to quality education delivery. We are, however, appealing for more of such projects in other schools that are still in need,’ she added.
Mr. Victor Bobison, the Headmaster of the Three Kings Special School, which also benefited from the facility, said it would significantly ease pressure on their existing washrooms that were rendered unusable after a fire incident. ‘This project will not only serve the students but also the teaching staff, who often struggle to find decent facilities during school hours. We are deeply grateful and hopeful that our dormitory and ICT resource centre will also receive support in due course,’ he said.
Ms. Esenam Kakah, the Assembly Member of the Avakpedome Electoral Area, praised International Needs Ghana for the gesture, noting that it would improve the community’s overall sanitation standards and contribute to the wellbeing of the students.