By Jesse Ampah Owusu
On April 2nd, Accra — The renowned American hip-hop artist Jeffery Atkins, widely recognized as Ja Rule, has opened a new six-classroom facility at the Nuaso Anglican Primary School within the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
The inauguration took place in collaboration with Pencils of Promise, an international NGO focused on education.
The structure, funded by the rapper, featured dual workstations along with educational resources and included an additional restroom area consisting of eight stalls.
Following this, Ja Rule and Pencils of Promise initiated the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction on April 1, 2024.
Alongside his spouse, Aisha, the hip-hop artist conveyed his joy over being able to construct the classroom building aimed at improving educational opportunities within the local area.
He mentioned that it felt rewarding to contribute to society following a fruitful career and achievements, noting that there was no finer location for such efforts than within the Nuaso Community.
He voiced his desire to witness advancements in the children’s education during his subsequent visit to the area.
Ja Rule pledged to introduce various initiatives close to his heart to the community, encompassing areas such as cinema, music, visual arts, and athletics.
"I'm considering constructing an excellent gym facility for you along with a space where you can engage in practicing music, dancing, visual arts, and all the activities that we enjoy," he stated.
Mr. Freeman Gobah, the Ghana Country Director of Pencils ofPromise, stated that they selected the school as part of their initiative to eliminate the shift system that had been implemented there for many years because of the facility’s structural issues.
"The finishing of this six-classroom building along with additional facilities will not just address the infrastructure issues facing the school, but it will also ease the problems related to student enrollment and attendance," he noted.
Mr. Gomah encouraged both the school administrators and students to utilize the resource efficiently so as to enhance educational achievements within their community.
He committed his organization to furthering efforts aimed at advancing education by enhancing infrastructure and boosting teachers' skills, consistent with what they have been doing for the last 13 years.
Mr Samuel Tetteh, the Lower Manya Krobo Municipal Education Director, mentioned that the school appealed for assistance via the Assembly following the damage to their old structure caused by a rainstorm approximately five years ago. This situation led to increased student absenteeism.
He mentioned that they were looking forward to discontinuing the shift system and boosting student enrollment and attendance at the school following the opening of the new classroom block.
In the meantime, Ja Rule and his group made a courtesy visit to the Konor of Manya Krobo, Nene Sakite II, before the inauguration of the facility.
The hip-hop artist received presents from the local tribal chiefs, such as the customary Kente fabric and beads, in recognition of his charitable acts.
GNA
ABD