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

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 

Ekumfi MP Rewards Over 350 2025 BECE Best Performed Candidates

An aerial view of items donated 

The Member of Parliament for Ekumfi Constituency, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, on Thursday, 9th October 2025, presented a range of educational items to over 350 students who have gained admission into various Senior High, Technical and Vocational Schools across the country.

The initiative, which forms part of his continuous commitment to promoting and rewarding academic excellence among young students in Ekumfi, was held at Essuehyia under the theme, “Empowering Tomorrow’s Champions.”

The event attracted key stakeholders, including Chiefs, Queens,  the District Director of Education and her officers, headteachers, teachers, parents, students, as well as members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) and wife of the MP, Mrs. Dr. Eunice Nana Aba Egyirba Smart Kwainoe.

Hon. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe 

Hon. Dr. Kwainoe encouraged the awardees to remain diligent and studious in their academic pursuits to reach greater heights. He assured his constituents of sustained support and an even more improved package in the future. The MP also acknowledged his predecessor, Hon. Abeiku Crentsil, for instituting such a laudable initiative, and pledged to continue building on it.

Dr. Kwainoe expressed optimism that these young beneficiaries would one day take up leadership roles across various fields to contribute to the growth of Ekumfi and Ghana as a whole.

He further advocated for the enactment of by-laws or local content regulations to be championed by traditional authorities. Dr. Ekow Kwainoe called on the Paramount Chief of the Ekumfi Traditional Area to spearhead this initiative, ensuring all communities within Ekumfi adopt and enforce such regulations for collective development and discipline.

Presentation to Michael Ninson 

In recognition of exceptional performance, the Best Overall Candidate received a cash prize of GH¢1,000.00, a mobile phone worth GH¢2,000.00, as well as a mattress, chop box, exercise books, and assorted provisions including gari, sugar, milk powder, Milo, and mackerel.

The Overall Best Performed School also received a cash prize of GH¢1,000.00.

Best Performed Candidate (Public School): Master Michael Ninson of Narkwa Methodist Basic School with aggregate 10.

Best Performed Candidate (Private School): Master Benedict Forson of Obama College with aggregate 8.

Sarafina Ackom receiving her award 

Best Performed Female Candidate: Miss Sarafina Ackom of Adoagyir D/A Basic School with aggregate 15.

Best Performed Physically Challenged Candidate: Adoagyir D/A Basic School.

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, Director of Education 

The District Director of Education, Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, congratulated the awardees, teachers and headteachers for their efforts, while promising the Honourable MP of improved academic performance in the coming years.

She also expressed concern over the issue of teenage pregnancy, revealing that three cases had already been recorded since the start of the 2025/2026 academic year. She appealed to traditional authorities to enforce community discipline and apply stricter sanctions to curb the menace.

Nana Kwaa Esaa Okofo Yaa I 

Speaking on behalf of the Paramount Chief, Odeefo Akyen VIII, the Guantoahen of the Ekumfi Traditional Council, Nana Kwaa Esaa Okofo Yaa I, commended the MP for his efforts and urged him to remain equitable in his dealings. He also called on party executives and constituents to continue supporting Hon. Kwainoe to ensure his retention.

Nana Kwaa Esaa I further urged parents to be responsible and instil discipline in their wards, discouraging immoral behaviours that could lead to teenage pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections. He also cautioned the youth against engaging in fraudulent activities that could land them in prison.

In his final remarks, he appealed to the President of the Republic, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, to actively involve chiefs and traditional rulers in efforts to curb illegal mining across the country.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

Ekumfi MP Tours BECE Centres

Ekumfi MP in a group photograph with Ekumfi GES officers 

The Member of Parliament for Ekumfi Constituency, Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, has toured various Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) centres across Ekumfi to monitor proceedings and show support to candidates.

His visit formed part of efforts to offer oversight and encouragement to the 2025 BECE candidates. Addressing the students, Dr Kwainoe urged them to give their utmost best in order to excel in the exams and secure brighter futures.

Prior to the examination, the MP had distributed mathematical sets to all 1,539 candidates in the district to aid in their preparation. He also assured them of additional support packages, including mattresses, chop boxes, stationery, and other essentials for Senior High School, for those who perform exceptionally well. Further sponsorship initiatives were also promised.

Director Kafui addressing a section of BECE candidates 

The District Director of Education, Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, joined the MP on the tour and encouraged candidates to remain focused and committed to achieving academic excellence.

Other dignitaries who accompanied the MP included Alhaji Joseph Antobam, NDC Constituency Chairman, Hon. Edward Acquah Fayah, Constituency Secretary, Mr. Bright Arthur, Deputy Communications Officer, Mr. Kofi Bentsiefi Biney, Human Resource Manager, Mr. Samuel Baffoe Aikins, PRO, Mr Ishaque Ismael Abbew, School Improvement Support Officer (SISO), and Mr. Kweku Sarpong, Community Participatory Coordinator (CPC).

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

Twa-Etuakrom Headteacher Appeals for ICT Support to Digitally Empower Learners

Mr. Emmanuel Korankye Ayensu 

Mr Emmanuel Korankye Ayensu, Headteacher of Twa-Etuakrom D/A Basic School, has made a passionate appeal to the government and key stakeholders in education to support the school’s mission of nurturing and developing young minds.

He made the call on Friday, 30th May 2025, during the school’s 64th Anniversary and maiden Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebration, held under the theme: “Empowering Learners for a Digital Ghana.”

Mr Ayensu underscored the importance of digitalisation in Ghana’s educational system, noting that a country’s development is inextricably linked to the growth of its human capital.

“Digitalisation is now a global trend, and it is crucial that we integrate it effectively into our education system. A teacher cannot successfully instruct pupils in computing when the necessary tools for teaching and learning are unavailable,” he emphasised.

He, however, did not shy away from addressing the many challenges confronting the school despite its remarkable track record of producing responsible and capable citizens. These include limited resources, lack of ICT equipment, poor supervision of learners at home, indiscipline among some pupils, and the inability of some parents to provide basic educational needs for their children. He also lamented the absence of proper toilet and urinal facilities, which compromises hygiene within the school environment.

Director Kafui Mary Ahlijah 

In her remarks, Ms Kafui Mary Ahlijah, the Director of Education for the Ekumfi District, criticised the low turnout of parents at the event and urged them to show greater interest in their children’s education. She also encouraged stakeholders to support digital development in schools, stressing that while computers are crucial, other ICT tools and supporting structures are equally important to sustain digital education.

Ing. Stephen Essel Arthur 

Taking his turn, the guest speaker, Ing. Stephen Essel Arthur, donated four desktop computers to the school and pledged further support. He urged the school authorities and community to safeguard the equipment and echoed the call for more support from other stakeholders for the advancement of education, particularly at Twa-Etuakrom D/A Basic School.

Mr Ayensu further highlighted the school’s longstanding contribution to national development, citing that its alumni are currently excelling in fields such as banking, education, healthcare, engineering, artisanal trades, entrepreneurship, and other key sectors of the economy.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

Ekumfi MP Donates 1,000 Dual Desks to Ghana Education Service

 

In a symbolic presentation held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at Ekumfi Essarkyir, Hon. Ismaeel Nana Asamoah, District Chief Executive for the Ekumfi District Assembly, on behalf on Hon. Dr. Othniel Ekow Kwainoe, Member of Parliament for Ekumfi, handed over 400 dual desks to the Ekumfi District Education Directorate. This marks the first consignment of a total 1,000 desks to be distributed to basic schools across the district.

Receiving the items, the District Director of Education, Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, expressed her profound gratitude to the MP and his representatives for the timely intervention at such a critical time. She further appealed for continued support and stronger collaboration to uplift education standards in Ekumfi.

A distribution schedule for the desks has already been sanctioned to ensure swift delivery to beneficiary schools.

Hon. Nana Asamoah reaffirmed the MP’s unwavering commitment, as well as the Assembly’s, to improving education in the district.

As of 4:08PM GMT on Tuesday, the Shyn Media Gh team can confirm that an additional 200 dual desks had arrived and been offloaded, bring the current total to 600.

Key stakeholders present at the ceremony included Mr. Douglas Osei Yeboah, Coordinating Director, Hon. Kow Kakra Nketsia-Richardson, Presiding Member of the Ekumfi District Assembly, and officers from the District Education Directorate.

 

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie

Ekumfi Teachers Call for Improved Conditions of Service

Teachers within the Ekumfi District have urged their newly appointed director to advocate for improved conditions of service for members.

The appeal was made during a familiarisation visit by the director on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at Ekumfi Essarkyir, where she shared her vision and encouraged professionalism among teachers, as well as the promotion of a healthy working environment.

George Eshun

Speaking on behalf of the teachers, Mr. George Eshun highlighted the critical issue of teachers’ conditions of service. He called on Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah, the new Director of Education, to prioritise and champion efforts towards enhancing these conditions.

According to Mr. Eshun, teachers would be able to perform their duties with greater diligence and effectiveness if their conditions of service, particularly remuneration, were improved.

Director Kafui Mary Ahlijah

Ms. Kafui Mary Ahlijah becomes the eighth Director of Education for the Ekumfi Education Directorate since its creation in 2013, following the retirement of Mr. Isaac Oscar Odoom in December, 2024.

Bringing a vast of experience to her new role, Director Kafui aims to enhance the sustainability of schools through effective leardership.

Addressing the teachers, Director Ahlijah stressed the importance of punctuality and regular attendance at work, encouraging teachers and pupils to exhibit this behaviour. She assured them that she would actively monitor these aspects.

She further urged headteachers to adopt a proactive and positive approach to school administration, while also encouraging teachers to conduct lessons effectively and organize regular Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within schools.

Director Kafui concluded by emphasizing the significance of team work, encouraging teachers to connect with their headteachers to foster a conducive school environment.

Teachers expressed their appreciation for her visit and are optimistic about working together to achieve a shared vision.

By: Yusuf Ibrahim Dadzie