The Member of Parliament for the Central Tongu Constituency, Gabby Alexander Hotordze, has announced the introduction of what he described as the 'Common Competitive Exams' for basic schools in the Central Tongu District, in a bid to boost academic performance among pupils.

He made this known while speaking to the media at a short ceremony to officially hand over a newly constructed three-unit classroom block with an office and store to the people of Mafi-Seva. The facility was built by the NGO Adanu to support quality education in the area.

In an interview with the media, the MP outlined the rationale and structure of the initiative.

“We have realised that there is a fallen standard of education in the Central Tongu District. That urge among pupils to study is no longer there. So we have decided to introduce common competitive exams. The various classes from Class 4 to the end will enter into competitive exams in English Language, Mathematics and Integrated Science at the circuit level," he explained.

"Those who do better at the circuit level will be applauded and given something, but the best three at the circuit level will go to the district level and write the exams again. Those who excel will be supported by my office and the assembly.”

He explained that the intervention is designed to reignite academic enthusiasm among learners and create healthy competition across schools in the district.

According to him, the initiative will inspire pupils to study harder when they see their peers being recognised and rewarded for excellence.

The ceremony, held at Mafi-Seva in the Central Tongu District, brought together community leaders, education officials, teachers, and residents who expressed gratitude for the new classroom facility, describing it as a significant boost to teaching and learning.

The Headmaster of Mafi-Seva D/A Roman Catholic Basic School, Mr. Richard Benjamin Agordor, while thanking Adanu for the edifice, used the opportunity to appeal for urgent support in the form of additional teaching staff.

“It is my appeal, especially to the Central Tongu Education Directorate and others, to help us.
This time, we are having only two teachers, including myself, who are facilitating from kindergarten to JHS 3, which is a very hard task on our shoulders. So we are pleading for more teachers to come.”

Mr. Agordor stressed that although the new infrastructure will greatly improve the learning environment, the shortage of teachers remains a major challenge, affecting effective classroom delivery and individual attention for pupils.

Also speaking at the event, the Volunteer and Project Coordinator of Adanu, Mr. Jerry John Kotoka, called on individuals, corporate bodies, and government institutions to partner with the organization to expand its impact.

“Most of our funding comes from friends of Adanu abroad. We cannot handle this alone. We want to make more impact. We have been doing these projects for the past 23 years, and we are looking for corporate institutions, individuals and even the government to partner with us so that we can impact other communities.”

Beyond the Mafi-Seva project, Adanu has also constructed a library, a kindergarten block, and a six-unit classroom block for the people of Adaklu Hehekpoe in the Adaklu District, further demonstrating its commitment to rural development and education.

For the past 23 years, Adanu has been at the forefront of community-driven development in Ghana. The organisation has focused on improving access to quality education, healthcare, water, sanitation, and other essential social infrastructure in underserved communities.

Through partnerships with international donors, volunteers, and local stakeholders, Adanu has constructed classroom blocks, libraries, sanitation facilities, and other critical projects aimed at uplifting rural populations and creating sustainable opportunities for growth.