Benjamin Komla Kpodo, the outgoing Member of Parliament (MP) for Ho Central Constituency, culminated his tenure with the commissioning of two pivotal educational projects aimed at enhancing learning opportunities within the constituency. The first project, an E-Library situated near the Ho-Dome EP Basic School, introduces a crucial digital learning dimension to the community. Equipped with 50 internet-connected computers, the E-Library aims to address the growing student population’s need for expanded access to information and online educational resources, complementing the existing SIC Library at Ho Kpodzi. Kpodo underscored the vital role of digital literacy in contemporary education, emphasizing the power of online resources like Google in providing access to global information, a stark contrast to the limited resources available during his own upbringing. He stressed the significance of this facility in bridging the digital divide and equipping students with the technological skills essential for navigating the modern world. The commissioning was met with accolades from educational authorities, including the Volta Regional Deputy Director of Education, Mrs. Marian Jemima Akua Adzroe, and the Ho Municipal Director of Education, Esther Yeboah-Adzimah, who both acknowledged the positive impact of such projects on student achievement and their relevance in a technology-driven world.
The second project, a refurbishment of the dilapidated Nuriya Basic School block at Fiave, demonstrates Kpodo’s commitment to improving the physical learning environment. Prompted by the Zongo Chief of Ho, Sarki Yushau Turawah, who brought the building’s dire condition to the MP’s attention, the renovation project focused on creating a more conducive learning space for students and teachers. The initial state of the building, lacking windows and basic amenities, highlighted the urgent need for intervention. Kpodo’s involvement ensured the successful completion of the renovation, which included vital improvements to ventilation and classroom upgrades. The transformation, according to Kpodo, marked a significant improvement in the learning environment, providing both pupils and teachers with a more comfortable and functional space. He further stressed the importance of community ownership and maintenance to ensure the longevity of the refurbished facility.
The inauguration of both the E-Library and the renovated Nuriya Basic School block were met with widespread community appreciation, underscored by the expressions of gratitude from local leaders and educational officials. Sarki Yushau Turawah, also the President of the Council of Zongo Chiefs in the Volta Region, lauded the MP’s swift response to the community’s concerns regarding the school’s condition. The Municipal Director of Education, Dr. Yeboah-Adzimah, highlighted the significance of the Nuriya School block not just as an educational facility but also as a vital community hub, reinforcing the need for collective responsibility in its upkeep.
Reflecting on his 12-year parliamentary service under the National Democratic Congress, Kpodo acknowledged the complexities of securing funding for such projects, underscoring his pride in their successful completion. He emphasized the importance of responsible usage and proper maintenance of the newly established facilities to maximize their lifespan and benefit to the community. He particularly stressed the need for responsible use of the E-Library equipment, recognizing that misuse could negate the benefits of having the facility in the first place. He urged the community to view these projects as long-term investments requiring continuous care and responsible utilization.
Kpodo further expressed his aspiration for the continuity of his efforts by his successor, highlighting the foundational role of these projects in future educational development within the constituency. He emphasized the community-wide benefits of these facilities and urged local leaders, parents, and students to share the responsibility of preserving this infrastructure for future generations. This call for collective ownership emphasized the importance of community participation in sustaining the positive impact of these projects beyond his tenure.
In conclusion, the commissioning of the E-Library and the renovated Nuriya Basic School block represent significant milestones in Hon. Kpodo’s legacy as MP for Ho Central Constituency. These projects demonstrate a commitment to improving educational access and quality within the community, addressing both the need for digital literacy and improved physical learning environments. The community’s enthusiastic reception and the acknowledgement from educational authorities further validate the importance of these initiatives. Kpodo’s parting message emphasizes the necessity of collective responsibility in maintaining these facilities to ensure their long-term impact and benefit for future generations, solidifying his contribution to the educational landscape of the Ho Central Constituency.
