olam food ingredients Ghana Limited (ofi), in a bid to enhance education as part of its Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability initiatives has renovated school facilities and donated 1,000 exercise books and a Polytank to ensure daily access to clean water to the Azizanya D/A Primary School at Azizanya, within the Ada Foah community in Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region.

ofi is a Licensed Buying Company in Ghana's Cocoa sector, a processor of cocoa ingredients and a leading exporter of cashews.

The support according to the company is aligned with its purpose to be the change for good food and a healthy future. 

Azizanya D/A Primary School was selected because of its need of sanitation facilities and its lack of means to install it. Though Ada is not a cocoa or cashew-growing community, it is in close proximity to the company's cocoa and cashew offices at Tema and within the same region where the company's Head Office is situated. 

The school did not have a functional washroom for pupils and staff for many years. As a result, the pupils relieved themselves at nearby bushes and beaches, posing serious health risks for residents.

Recognising this challenge, ofi Ghana undertook the project to provide the school with a fully functional washroom facility to enhance sanitation and reduce the spread of germs and illnesses, fostering a safer learning environment. In addition to the refurbished washroom, ofi Ghana also repainted the entire school building, giving it the much-needed facelift.  

During the handing-over ceremony, Mr Eric Botwe, Country Head of ofi Ghana, emphasized this aligned with the company's purpose ‘Be the Change for Good Food and a Healthy Future’.  He said education is a fundamental right for every child, and we are proud to support the young minds of Azizanya in their journey toward a brighter future. Through our efforts, we hope to help these children become responsible members of society." 

The Head Teacher of Azizanya D/A Primary School, Mark Sowah, expressed profound gratitude to ofi Ghana, highlighting the impact of the new facilities on the school's operations: 

"Our biggest challenge has been the lack of a functional toilet for pupils and teachers. This new washroom facility will significantly improve hygiene and sanitation, allowing students to focus on their studies," he said. 

The community chief, Nene Narh Nartey Azago III, commended the company's support, noting that the washroom would enhance the school and promote better sanitation practices: 

"This donation will help reduce indiscriminate defecation along our beaches and improve overall sanitation. We are grateful to ofi Ghana for supporting our development," the chief remarked. 

Other dignitaries present included the District Chief Executive, Hon. Sarah Dugbakie Pobee and two representatives from the Ghana Education Service (GES), who highlighted the importance of this project in reducing the incidence of loitering and motivating children to stay in school.  

The new washrooms will stop children from leaving the school and loitering in the community when they are in search of toilets or other suitable locations in the community.  

This renovation builds on ofi Ghana's support for developing community infrastructure and access to education. Last year, the company donated GHC 300,000 to the "Heal Komfo Anokye" Initiative to aid in the renovation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

It also renovated the Mesidan Health Centre and funded all ten (10) educational funds within its operation areas, further solidifying its role as a critical partner in Ghana's growth. 

ofi (olam food ingredients) is a new operating group born out of Olam International. ofi offers sustainable, natural, value-added food products and ingredients so that consumers can enjoy the healthy and indulgent products they love. It consists of industry-leading businesses of cocoa, coffee, dairy, nuts, and spices.

ofi has built a unique global value chain presence including its own farming operations, farm-gate origination, and manufacturing facilities. ofi partners with customers, leveraging its complementary and differentiated portfolio of ‘on-trend’ food products, to co-create solutions that anticipate and meet changing consumer preferences as demand increases for healthier food that’s traceable and sustainable.