OKWAF Foundation, with support from U.S.-based non-profit Books for Africa, has donated a variety of books and computer tablets to selected schools in the Akuapem South District of Ghana’s Eastern Region.

The donation included textbooks in science and mathematics as well as storybooks, which were distributed to ten schools: Aburi Demonstration JHS, KEMP Methodist JHS, Aburi Anglican JHS, Aburi Presby JHS, Ahwirase Presby JHS, Djankama Methodist JHS, Kitase JHS, Ajemanti JHS, Nsakye JHS, and Aboadaka JHS. These schools were chosen based on a needs assessment conducted by the district office of the Ghana Education Service (GES).

The official handover took place during a mini-durbar organized by the Akuffo Foundation at the forecourt of the Omanhene’s palace in Aburi. Speaking at the event, Emmanuel Ansa-Ntow, Executive Director of OKWAF Foundation, explained that the donation was not merely an act of kindness from the Akuapem Omanhene, but a strategic move to promote reading and spark interest in artificial intelligence and engineering among young learners.

He stressed the importance of education, saying that knowledge is power and should be prioritized by all. Mr. Ansa-Ntow encouraged parents, teachers, and children to make full use of the books to develop strong reading habits that broaden their understanding of the world.

He reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to supporting the Okuapehene’s educational vision and revealed plans to extend the donation across all four target zones in the district. He expressed hope that the tablets would stimulate student interest in AI and engineering.

Mr. Ansa-Ntow also advised the students to steer clear of drugs and negative influences, urging them to stay focused on their studies as the path to success.

Representing the GES district office, Esther Kddey, the Public Relations Officer, expressed gratitude to the foundations for their contribution. She encouraged students to make the most of the resources to gain knowledge and develop their potential, emphasizing that their generation has abundant opportunities and no excuse to fail.

She also appealed to teachers to help nurture students’ interest in reading and called on private organizations and individuals to support educational initiatives in the district.

Students were thrilled with the donation. Abraham Nii Noi described receiving a tablet as a dream come true, while fellow student Simon Opare pledged to make full use of the books and device to achieve his goals.