District Director of Education Calls for Stronger Sanitation Systems to Safeguard Learning in Ekumfi

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, Director of Education - Ekumfi District 

The District Director of Education for Ekumfi, Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, has called for urgent community action to improve sanitation infrastructure in schools and households, stressing that poor hygiene directly affects children’s health, school attendance and academic performance. She made this appeal at the 2025 World Toilet Day celebration held on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, at Ekumfi Engow, on the theme “Sanitation in a Changing World.”

Addressing pupils, teachers, parents and traditional leaders, Ms Ahlijah noted that many rural schools continue to struggle with inadequate toilet facilities, lack of privacy for girls, and unhygienic surroundings that expose pupils to diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid. “We cannot expect our children to learn well when the school environment itself threatens their health,” she cautioned.

She emphasised that proper sanitation is not merely a development goal but a fundamental requirement for quality education. According to her, open defecation and improper waste disposal remain widespread in some communities within the district, posing serious health risks and undermining gains made in Basic Education.

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah appealed to chiefs, opinion leaders and households to take full responsibility for the construction, use and maintenance of toilet facilities, warning that unsanitary conditions contribute heavily to absenteeism among pupils.

She was particularly concerned about the gender-sensitive sanitation gap, highlighting that girls are often the most affected. “No girl should have to miss school because she cannot manage her period safely and privately,” she said.

She therefore encouraged schools and parents to teach children proper toilet hygiene and menstrual health habits, reinforcing that education begins from home.

Her remarks aligned strongly with the call by stakeholders for improved sanitation as a driver of rural development. Nana Esi Ninsin VIII had earlier appealed for support to renovate the Amorkhor Art Haus and establish modern sanitation and changing facilities for girls. Mrs Emma Asare, founder of RADCO, also underscored the significant role sanitation plays in the dignity and retention of the Girl-Child in school.

The event was supported by the Sankofa Care Initiative, which educated pupils on personal and menstrual hygiene and distributed Smart Sanitary Kits. Global Brigades also contributed sanitary pads to assist girls from participating schools, which included Engow Methodist Basic School, Eyisam Islamic Basic School and Begrat Preparatory School.

Ms Ahlijah concluded her address by urging all stakeholders; government, traditional authorities, parents and community groups, to commit to the long-term maintenance of sanitation facilities. “Sanitation must become a shared responsibility if we want our children to grow in health, confidence and dignity,” she said.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

“Rural Development Rests on Education and Sanitation” — Mrs Emma Asare Advocates at World Toilet Day Celebration

Stakeholders in the Ekumfi District have marked this year’s World Toilet Day with a powerful call for improved sanitation, menstrual health support and strong investment in rural education. The event was held on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, at Ekumfi Engow under the theme “Sanitation in a Changing World.”

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Emma Asare, Founder of the Rural and Deprived Community Outreach (RADCO), underscored the importance of sanitation as a fundamental human right. She stressed that the unequal distribution of sanitation facilities between urban and rural areas continues to affect national development.

She stated that: “If we truly want our rural communities to rise, then we must rise to meet their needs. Rural development rests firmly on two pillars: education that enlightens the mind, and sanitation that protects the body.”

Mrs Asare highlighted that poor toilet facilities in schools worsen absenteeism among girls, particularly during menstruation. Sharing a painful childhood experience, she explained how shame, lack of pads and misunderstanding from male teachers once made her school life unbearable.

She called for subsidised or free sanitary pads, improved menstrual education for boys and male teachers, and the construction of gender-sensitive toilets in rural schools.

Adding her voice, Nana Esi Ninsin VIII, Nyimfahembaa of Ekumfi Traditional Area, appealed for partnerships to support her sanitary pads donation drive and the renovation of the Amorkhor Art Haus Training Centre. She noted that ending menstrual poverty is crucial to keeping girls in school and protecting their dignity.

The District Director of Education, Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, also emphasised the link between sanitation and academic performance. She pointed out that cholera, dysentery and other sanitation-related diseases remain common in communities without proper toilet facilities, urging chiefs and community leaders to take responsibility for maintaining hygienic environments.

NGOs such as the Sankofa Care Initiative and Global Brigades supported the event with menstrual hygiene education, Smart Sanitary Kits and donations of sanitary pads.

The celebration concluded with a unified appeal for stronger partnerships to end menstrual poverty, eliminate open defecation and ensure that rural girls can learn in safety and dignity.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

Nana Esi Ninsin VIII Calls on Government, NGOs and Stakeholders to End Menstrual Poverty in Ekumfi

Nana Esi Ninsin VIII

Nana Esi Ninsin VIII, Nyimfahembaa of the Ekumfi Traditional Area and Odzikrohembaa of Ekumfi Ekrawfo, has urged government, non-governmental organisations and stakeholders to prioritise sanitation and menstrual health in rural communities. She made this appeal during the 2025 World Toilet Day celebration held on Wednesday, 19th November 2025, at Ekumfi Engow on the theme “Sanitation in a Changing World.”

The event formed part of activities marking her 13th anniversary as Queen Mother of Ekumfi Ekrawfo and supported her ongoing campaign to renovate the Amorkhor Art Haus Training Centre into a practical vocational hub. The centre also leads a sanitary pads donation drive aimed at eliminating menstrual poverty in the Ekumfi District.

The programme brought together a number of dignitaries, including Nananom of Engow; Mrs Emma Asare, Founder of Rural and Deprived Community Outreach (RADCO); Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, District Director of Education; Mr Bentsiefi Kofi Biney, Human Resource Manager at the Ekumfi Education Directorate, Mr. Richard Boatey , District SHEP Coordinator and School Improvement Support Officers (SISOs) Mr Emmanuel Woode, Mr Sylvanus Ahiadu and Mr Kenneth Johnson Siaw. Others present were Madam Esther Kwofie, Girl-Child Coordinator; Mr Kennedy Oppong Asante, Headteacher of Engow Methodist Basic School; representatives from Global Brigades; and various community and youth groups.

Basic schools represented included Engow Methodist Basic School, Eyisam Islamic Basic School and Begrat Preparatory School.

In her remarks, Nana Esi Ninsin VIII called for collaborative support to provide modern toilets, changing rooms and sanitation facilities in rural schools. She said menstrual poverty continues to hinder girls’ education and undermines their dignity.

Mrs. Emma Asare 

Mrs Emma Asare added her voice to the call for improved sanitation facilities, emphasising the disproportionate impact on girls. She remarked: “A nation cannot claim progress when its girls lack the classrooms to learn and the toilets to live with dignity.” 

Mrs Asare highlighted that poor toilet facilities in schools worsen absenteeism among girls, particularly during menstruation. Sharing a painful childhood experience, she explained how shame, lack of pads and misunderstanding from male teachers once made her school life unbearable.

She called for subsidised or free sanitary pads, improved menstrual education for boys and male teachers, and the construction of gender-sensitive toilets in rural schools urging stakeholders to prioritise menstrual health education, support for reusable pads and the construction of safe sanitation facilities in rural schools.

The Sankofa Care Initiative, led by Madam Bernice Ankrah, conducted an educational session on personal and menstrual hygiene. Participants were encouraged to use reusable sanitary pads to minimise cost and prevent exploitation of vulnerable girls.

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah 

District Director of Education, Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, also appealed to chiefs and community leaders to commit to maintaining school sanitation facilities, stressing that poor hygiene contributes to the spread of diseases such as cholera, dysentery and typhoid.

Madam Esther Kwofie, speaking on behalf of the Girl-Child Education Unit and Camfed Ghana, reiterated the need for consistent menstrual hygiene education in rural communities.

A group photograph of dignitaries with school children 

One message was clear; when rural sanitation improves, girls’ confidence grows, attendance rises and entire communities prosper. The event concluded with the distribution of Smart Sanitary Kits to female pupils, while Global Brigades supported the programme with donations of sanitary pads.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

GETFund Deputy Administrator Cautions Students Against Drug Abuse

Hon. Alhassan Sualihu, Deputy Administrator - GETFund

The Deputy Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), Hon. Alhassan Sualihu Dandaawa, has urged students of John Evans Atta-Mills Senior High School (JEA Mills SHS) and across the country to refrain from drug use and other social vices that could jeopardise their future.

Speaking during the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of modern boarding facilities, an administration block, and other infrastructure projects for the school, Hon. Sualihu underscored the devastating effects of substance abuse on students’ academic performance and overall wellbeing. He cautioned: “Do not disappoint your parents. If you are intelligent and you resort to drugs, you will fail.” He encouraged the students to stay focused on their education, assuring them that the government remains committed to creating an enabling environment for learning.

Hon. Sualihu further commended Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, the Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, for his tireless lobbying efforts that led to the approval of the GETFund project.

He revealed that the project, expected to be completed within 12 months, would include two modern dormitory blocks for boys and girls, an administration block, an ICT laboratory and library, a headmaster’s bungalow, an ultramodern dining hall complex, and residential facilities for housemasters and mistresses.

On behalf of the GETFund Administrator, Mr. Paul Adjei, Hon. Sualihu pledged a cash support of GHS 10,000.00 and a school bus to further enhance teaching and learning at the institution.

He concluded by assuring the school community of GETFund’s unflinching commitment to ensuring that the JEA Mills SHS project becomes one of the best educational facilities in the Central Region.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie 

District Director of Education Calls for Collective Support to Advance Education in Ekumfi

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, Director of Education - Ekumfi District 

The District Director of Education for Ekumfi, Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, has called on all stakeholders including traditional leaders, parents, and community members to unite in supporting the advancement of education in the district.

Addressing participants at the ground-breaking ceremony for the construction of new boarding facilities and other projects at John Evans Atta-Mills Senior High School, Ms. Ahlijah described the initiative as “a joy to all,” emphasising that such collaborative efforts reflect a strong shared vision for the district’s educational growth.

She noted that the new facilities would significantly ease the financial burden on parents who currently spend heavily on accommodation, transportation, and feeding for their children.

Ms. Kafui also appealed to GETFund to expedite the completion of the project to ensure that the school benefits from the improved infrastructure within the stipulated timeframe.

She seized the opportunity to extend an invitation to traditional authorities and community members to attend the school’s upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration on 29th November 2025, promising a memorable occasion that will highlight the school’s progress and achievements.

In her closing remarks, she said, “Education is shining in Ekumfi,” attributing this to the collective commitment of stakeholders. She also cited the district’s outstanding performance at the 4th Regional Reading Festival in Cape Coast as proof of educational progress and urged everyone to continue supporting the cause both financially and morally.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie 

MP for Ekumfi Breaks Ground for Modern Boarding Facilities, Administration Block, and Others for JEA Mills SHS

In fulfillment of his campaign promise to honour the late former President of Ghana, Prof. John Evans Atta Mills, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ekumfi, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, has on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, broken ground for the construction of two modern boarding facilities (for boys and girls) for the John Evans Atta Mills Senior High School (JEA Mills SHS) in the Ekumfi District of the Central Region. 

This project forms part of the MP’s broader vision to lobby for the transformation of the school into a befitting educational institution that truly reflects the legacy of Prof. Atta Mills. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Kwainoe noted that his motivation for undertaking this initiative stems from the late President’s humility, compassion, and lifelong commitment to education. “My desire is to see this school represent the man who saw education as the beacon of hope for all of us. I want JEA Mills SHS to produce citizens who will not just be spectators, but contributors to the building of our nation,” he stated. 

Dr. Kwainoe expressed gratitude to the chiefs of Ekumfi Sardo for providing land for the project, and to the chiefs of Ekumfi Otuam for their continuous support. He also commended the District Director of Education, Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, the Paramount Chief, Odeefo Akyen VIII, and his divisional chiefs for their instrumental roles in birthing the school and commencing the boarding project. 

The Headmaster of JEA Mills SHS, Mr. Francis Ato-Davis, conveyed appreciation to the President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, the Vice President, H.E. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, the Minister of Finance, Hon. Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, and the MP for Ekumfi for their collective efforts in realizing this milestone. “In breaking this ground, we are not just digging the earth; we are planting a seed for a brighter, more empowered generation. We are building more than walls; we are building character, community, and a legacy of excellence that will endure for generations,” he remarked. 

Chief of Ekumfi Otuam 

The Chief of Ekumfi Otuam, Nana Ewusi Kwansah XIV, appealed to government and relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the project, emphasizing that only a committed leadership like the NDC can advance the school’s development agenda. 

The District Director of Education, Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, described the project as a major relief for parents who have struggled with the cost of hostels, transportation, and feeding. She appealed to GETFund to expedite the construction process and invited dignitaries to attend the school’s 10th Anniversary Celebration on November 29, 2025. “Education is shining in Ekumfi,” she declared, calling for continued stakeholder support for the district’s educational progress. 

The Deputy Administrator of GETFund, Hon. Alhassan Sualihu Dandaawa, reaffirmed government’s commitment to the project, announcing a 12-month completion timeline. He outlined the full package to include:

• Boys’ and girls’ dormitories 
• Administration block 
• ICT laboratory and library 
• Headmaster’s residence 
• House masters’ and mistresses’ bungalows 
• Ultramodern dining hall complex 

Hon. Sualihu cautioned students against drug abuse, advising, “Do not disappoint your parents. If you are intelligent and resort to drugs, you will fail.” 

He also commended Dr. Kwainoe for his relentless lobbying efforts and pledged a Gh₵10,000 cash support and a school bus on behalf of the GETFund Administrator, Mr. Paul Adjei, to support the school’s further development. “JEA Mills SHS will be one of the best in the Central Region after this administration,” he added. 

Nana Amoasi VII, Ankobeahen - Ekumfi Traditional Council 

Nana Amoasi VII, the Ankobeahen of Ekumfi Traditional Council and Chairman for the occasion, lauded the project’s scale and encouraged students to study diligently to make the best use of the forthcoming facilities. 

The event brought together several dignitaries, including the wife of MP, Mrs. Eunice Nana Aba Egyirba Smart Kwainoe (PhD), District Coordinating Director, Mr. Benjamin Opoku Busia, the District Engineer, Project Consultants, Nananom, Education Directorate staff, and Constituency NDC Executives. 

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie