The Offinso North District Assembly has commenced work on a six-unit classroom block at Tontokrom near Akumadan.

The project is intended to address years of difficulty faced by schoolchildren who travel long distances to access basic education.

The District Chief Executive, Ceasar Ofosu Acheampong, on Friday, June 12, 2025, together with Nananom from the Akumadan Traditional Council and party executives, cut the sod for the project at Tontokrom in the Offinso North District.

For years, Tontokrom has lacked a basic school, forcing children to travel several kilometres to Akumadan for education, often along poor and unsafe roads.

Community members say this situation has resulted in pupils missing early morning classes, arriving at school exhausted, and in some cases being involved in accidents. Some victims are reported to have sustained serious injuries, including amputations, while others have died.

Addressing Nananom and residents at the ceremony, Ceasar Ofosu Acheampong said the start of the project reflects government’s commitment to fulfilling its campaign promises and expanding access to education.

He stated: “Last year, we made several commitments regarding education in our district, which we provided updates on during our recent accountability series. Today, we are here to begin a six-unit classroom block comprising a headmaster’s office, teachers’ staffroom and a store room for the people of Tontokrom, to be completed within six months.”

He added that the project forms part of what he described as the community’s “share of the national cake” and a legacy of support for voting the NDC into power.

Hon. Acheampong further acknowledged the challenges facing the people of Tontokrom and urged patience, noting that the Assembly remains committed to addressing development needs progressively.

The Gyaasehene of Akumadan, Nana Kwaku Boateng, speaking on behalf of Akumadanhene Nana Boakye Akuamoah Boateng II and residents of Tontokrom, expressed gratitude for the project.

He urged the DCE to remain focused on his development agenda for Akumadan and surrounding communities, and to disregard criticism.

He added: “When good things like this begin, people gossip recklessly wishing it would not happen. I pray that God turns them into optimists. I appeal to the DCE and his team to ignore such people and focus on what God wants them to do for the good people of Akumadan and environs.”

The DCE said the project marks a new phase for Tontokrom and reaffirms government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure in deprived communities. Once completed, the facility is expected to serve hundreds of pupils and improve access to basic education in the area.

The project, awarded to Qualcon Construction Limited, is the third educational infrastructure project in the district, following similar projects in Bosomponso and Nkenkaanso, alongside the renovation and completion of over 10 other school infrastructure projects across the district.