Professor Samuel Alhassan Issah, Dean of the Faculty of Ghanaian Languages Education at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW), has made a significant contribution to his hometown, Tampion Kukuo, in the Northern Region, addressing a critical educational infrastructure challenge.
A Community Facing Educational Infrastructure Challenges
Tampion Kukuo, like many communities in northern Ghana, has long struggled with inadequate educational facilities. The construction of a three-unit classroom block, intended to alleviate overcrowding in the local school, had stalled for years due to a lack of funds.
Mobilising Support for Change
As a product of the community’s primary school, Prof. Issah was deeply committed to improving the educational conditions in Tampion Kukuo. Through his network of friends, he raised GHC 15,000 to fund the roofing of the classroom block. The funds were handed over at a ceremony attended by chiefs, elders, teachers, headteachers, parents, and residents, marking a moment of celebration and appreciation.
A Game-Changer for Local Education
The donation was widely welcomed by the community, especially local education stakeholders. Mr. Issah Sulemana, Headteacher of the Primary School, expressed his gratitude, explaining that the lack of classroom space had forced some pupils to sit under trees. In contrast, others were crammed into small rooms. “This support from Prof. Issah is a game-changer,” he said, highlighting the positive impact the project would have on the learning environment.
Additional Support for Education
Prof. Gazali Issahaku, Principal of Bagabaga College of Education, was also present and pledged to support the school with teacher trainees to improve the quality of teaching further. Meanwhile, Madam Monica Issah, a GES staff member, raised an important point regarding lactating teachers, encouraging them to seek appropriate support rather than bringing babies into classrooms, as this could compromise the quality of education.
A Personal Reflection and Motivation
Reflecting on his motivation, Prof. Issah shared how his early experiences in the community, including the struggle of walking several kilometres to school, shaped his desire to give back. “I am who I am today because of this community. It is only right that I give back and help create better opportunities for the younger generation,” he said. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the friends and colleagues who helped make this initiative possible.
A Call to Action for Broader Change
Prof. Issah’s intervention highlights the ongoing issue of inadequate educational infrastructure in rural and peri-urban areas across Ghana. Many schools remain in desperate need of classrooms, furniture, and teaching materials. The story of Tampion Kukuo serves as a timely reminder for other influential individuals to invest in their communities and contribute to bridging Ghana’s educational gap. By ensuring quality learning conditions, such community-led efforts play a critical role in shaping the future of education in Ghana.
