Olam Food Ingredients Ghana Limited (ofi), a licenced cocoa buying company, has renovated school facilities and donated 1,000 exercise books along with a Polytank to ensure daily access to clean water at Azizanya D/A Primary School in the Ada Foah community.
This gesture is part of the company’s corporate responsibility and sustainability initiatives.
Ofi, a processor of cocoa ingredients and a leading exporter of cashews, selected the Azizanya D/A Primary School because of its need of sanitation facilities and lack of means to install them.
Though Ada is not a cocoa or cashew-growing community, it is in close proximity to the company’s cocoa and cashew offices at Tema and within the same region where the company’s Head Office is situated.
The school did not have a functional washroom for pupils and staff for many years. As a result, the pupils relieved themselves at nearby bushes and beaches – posing serious health risks for residents.
Recognising this challenge, ofi Ghana undertook the project to provide the school with a fully functional washroom facility to enhance sanitation and reduce the spread of germs and illnesses, fostering a safer learning environment.
In addition to the refurbished washroom, ofi Ghana also repainted the entire school building – giving it the much-needed face-lift.
During the handing-over ceremony, Eric Botwe, Country Head-ofi Ghana, emphasised this aligned with the company’s purpose to ‘Be the Change for Good Food and a Healthy Future’.
He said: “Education is a fundamental right for every child and we are proud to support the young minds of Azizanya in their journey toward a brighter future. Through our efforts, we hope to help these children become responsible members of society”.
The Head Teacher of Azizanya D/A Primary School, Mark Sowah, expressed profound gratitude to ofi Ghana, highlighting the new facilities’ impact on the school’s operations:
“Our biggest challenge has been the lack of a functional toilet for pupils and teachers. This new washroom facility will significantly improve hygiene and sanitation, allowing students to focus on their studies,” he said.
The community chief, Nene Narh Nartey Azago III, commended the company’s support, noting that the washroom will enhance the school and promote better sanitation practices:
“This donation will help reduce indiscriminate defecation along our beaches and improve overall sanitation. We are grateful to ofi Ghana for supporting our development,” the chief remarked.
Other dignitaries present included the District Chief Executive, Hon. Sarah Dugbakie Pobee and two representatives from the Ghana Education Service (GES), who highlighted the importance of this project in reducing the incidence of loitering and motivating children to stay in school.
The new washrooms will stop children from leaving the school and loitering in the community when they are in search of toilet or other suitable locations in the community.
This renovation builds on ofi Ghana’s support for developing community infrastructure and access to education. Last year, the company donated GH¢300,000 to the ‘Heal Komfo Anokye’ initiative to aid in renovation of the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. It also renovated the Mesidan Health Centre and funded all ten (10) educational funds within its operation areas, further solidifying its role as a critical partner in Ghana’s growth.
