Some public basic schools in Ghana are challenged with insufficient furniture and study materials, which affect learning and academic performance.

In the Asawase Constituency of the Ashanti Region, the deficit in study desks in public schools hinders access to quality education. 

To help improve the situation, the Member of Parliament for the area, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has distributed over 1,000 study desks and other learning materials to 51 public schools in the area.

He also supported technical and vocational educational trainees with equipment.

The MP for Asawase, Muntaka Mubarak spent over 1.1 million Ghana cedis on furniture, uniforms, industrial sewing machines, hair dryers, and stationary for schools in the area.

The donation of study desks and TVET materials to schools in Asawase will help improve teaching and learning.

The industrial materials will aid apprenticeship, boost entrepreneurship and serve as a source of income for constituents in technical and vocational education. 

Alhaji Muntaka advised school authorities to ensure the materials are put to good use. 

“I went around visiting schools and realized that desks and study equipment were broken, forcing parents to purchase desks for their wards to bring to school. So I decided to make sure that I supply schools with such items for five years. 

“I see this as part of my social accountability. It is my hope that students and teachers would put these books, desks, machines, and the fees we have paid to good use and not misuse them or the opportunity,” he said. 

Ashanti Regional Director Education, Willie Kwame Amankra Appiah, is confident the gesture will help improve the quality of education.

“Quality education does not necessarily come from the government but from other stakeholders like us. Teachers, directors, supervisors, and others ensure that things are done properly. So it requires our individual efforts. 

“The situation was being managed because the previous desks were wooden and they break easily. We are grateful for the metal ones donated today because they will last long. This will go a long way to improve the education system,” he said. 

Headmaster of Ibadu Rahman Academy, Bashir Shehu, also appreciated the gesture.