The Coastal Development Authority (CODA) has officially handed over a completed 3-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at Holy Innocent Anglican Basic School at Oduman in the Amasaman Constituency to the community and school authorities. The project was financed by the Authority from the constituency’s allocation under the Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme (IPEP).
The handing over took place at a brief but colourful ceremony with all the relevant key stakeholders participating. Present were the CEO of CODA, Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib; Deputy CEO for Mobilization and Private Partnership, Mr Emmanuel Affram Anim; Presiding Member of Ga West Municipal Assembly, Hon. Solomon Assante; the Oduman Mantse, Nii Odu IV; and Headmistress of the School, Madam Martha Agyeiwaa Twum. Other officials present were Mrs Theodora Asiedu-Turkson (District Director of Finance and Administration, GES Ga West) who represented the Greater Accra Regional Director, GES; Hon. Frank Tetteh, Assemblyman of Oduman; Chairman and members of PTA; officials of the Ga West Municipal Assembly; project consultants and opinion leaders of Oduman community.
The project consists of 3 three classrooms fully fitted with electricity, ceiling fans and furnished with dual-desks. The facility also has a staff common room and a storeroom.
Addressing the gathering, the CEO explained that the decision to undertake the project was reached through consensus after considering the priorities of the Amasaman Constituency. According to him, CODA is funding other ongoing projects in the constituency under IPEP. Lawyer Jerry Ahmed Shaib implored community leaders and school authorities to properly maintain the facility for the benefit of the community. He applauded the contractors, FNJ Investments, for a clean and timely job done although they prefinanced the project.
Nii Odu IV thanked CODA for the project and appealed for more support. Mrs Asiedu-Turkson also expressed appreciation for the project and assured the gathering that her outfit will ensure good maintenance of the facility. The Headmistress called the intervention timely, especially in the era COVID-19 and the need for observance of social distancing by teachers and students. She also pledged the commitment of school authorities and PTA to take good care of the new classroom block.
IPEP
The Infrastructure for Poverty Eradication Programme, also known as one million dollars per constituency, is a flagship social intervention of the Akufo-Addo government which allocates one million dollars or its cedi equivalent annually to each of the 275 constituencies in Ghana. The programme focuses on accelerating economic and social development through the provision of basic infrastructure. Projects are determined through an inclusive stakeholder engagement and a participatory needs assessment process involving all key relevant stakeholders.
