Mr Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Ablekuma South, has cut the sod for the reconstruction of the Hijaz Islamic Basic School in the constituency.
The sod-cutting ceremony marks the commencement of works aimed at improving teaching and learning conditions at the school.
The 18-classroom block project is estimated to cost 600,000 dollars, with construction expected to commence by the end of January and completion projected within the next four years.
Mr Vanderpuje said the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration, under President John Dramani Mahama, was committed to improving communities through sustained investments in education, health, social amenities and other essential services.
He recalled a visit he made to the school on behalf of President Mahama ahead of the 2024 general election, and pledged to support its reconstruction in recognition of the important role it had played in the community and the nation.
“Now we are in power, and this is the time to fulfil our promise,” he said.
The MP expressed gratitude to the school authorities and the leadership of the Ghana Muslim Mission (GMM) for granting permission for the reconstruction works to commence, assuring them of efforts to mobilise resources to ensure the successful completion of the project.
The completion of the new school infrastructure would significantly improve the outlook of Ablekuma South, particularly along the road linking the area to the High Street.
Mr Vanderpuje noted that the Hijaz Islamic Basic School had served the community for several years, and commended both learners and teachers for their dedication to academic work.
He said the reconstruction would provide a more conducive learning environment to enable pupils to excel academically and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Madam Hellen Elsie Abgobah, Headmistress of the School, expressed appreciation to the MP for the support, saying the new structure, when completed, would enhance teaching and learning for both pupils and staff.
Nii Okai Aryee, the Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the GMM, mentioned plans to introduce Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) into the school upon completion.
He explained that the community currently lacked a mixed senior high school, making the establishment of a mixed TVET institution necessary, particularly to serve the Islamic community.
Considering the location of the school, Nii Aryee said TVET education would provide opportunities for students to acquire practical skills and vocational training.
The leadership of the GMM handed over the technical drawings of the project to the MP during the ceremony.
Mr Vanderpuje later donated 100 bags of cement and GH¢20,000.00 towards the project, while Nii Adotey Odaawuku I, a traditional leader and an old student of the school, donated 100 bags of cement and GH¢10,000.00.
Other benevolent individuals pledged support in the form of building blocks, electrical fittings, and truckloads of sand and stones.
The sod-cutting ceremony was attended by national and regional officers of the GMM.
Mr Vanderpuje and his entourage later visited the Ar-Rahman Ghana Muslim Clinic, a facility established by the GMM to provide healthcare services to the community.
