By: Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Victor Yaw Asante Foundation, in collaboration with Rotary Club of Accra- Ring Road Central, and friends of the late Galina Okartei-Akko, has renovated and handed over an ICT laboratory to Mamfe Methodist Junior High School (JHS) in the Akuapim North District of the Eastern Region.
The project cost GH¢350,000, and was officially unveiled on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The Foundation’s Chair, Mr. Victor Yaw Asante, said the initiative aims to give students better access to technology and prepare them for the digital world.
“The laboratory will give the students opportunities to become ICT experts, to leverage on that to become very useful citizens,” he said in an interview with the media after the event.
The renovation was done in memory of the late Galina, a Rotarian who would have turned 53 years old on the day of the handover. Asante explained that she was passionate about youth development, especially in education and health, which are also the key focus areas of his Foundation.
Asante, who is also the Managing Director of FirstBank Ghana, and a past District Governor of Rotary District 9104, noted that the project is the first of many the Foundation intends to undertake. However, he said the success of such initiatives depends largely on available funding and partnerships.
“We have a bank of projects lined up, but our ability to deliver them depends on how much we can raise. This is just the first of several interventions planned, even within this same school,” he elaborated.
He also emphasised the role of Osabarima Ansah Sasraku III, Mamfehene and Kyidomhene of Akuapem traditional area, in ensuring the project happened. According to Asante, the chief’s passion for education and consistent engagement with the Foundation made it possible to bring the renovation to Mamfe Methodist JHS, which falls within his chieftaincy domain.
“There is a need everywhere, but you can only do one at a time. Mamfehene’s persistence and alignment with our vision made this happen,” he said.
He also noted that the Foundation prioritises transparency in the use of its funds, explaining that- all fundraising efforts are openly declared, with internal and external auditors engaged to ensure accountability.
The renovated lab currently has fans and ventilators, but the FirstBank MD disclosed that plans are underway to install air conditioners and ensure stable electricity supply, possibly with the support of generators or other power backup systems.
He said the aim of the Foundation is not to build new schools, but to strengthen existing ones to perform better.
In addition to the lab refurbishment, he said that, his outfit plans to support students through awards and incentives for academic excellence in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and ICT-related competitions.
Ms. Dina Opare, Headmistress of Mamfe Methodist JHS, described the inauguration of the ICT lab as a major turning point in the school’s journey toward digital learning. In her welcome address, she said the facility will serve as a hub for learning, creativity, and exploration.
“In today’s world, technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity. This ICT laboratory will help our students develop essential digital skills that will prepare them for the future,” she said.
She expressed appreciation to Osabarima for his role in advocating for the project, and thanked all dignitaries, education authorities, staff, students, and parents for their support and presence at the event.
She thanked the Foundation for its generous gesture. “We are very grateful to the Victor Yaw Asante Foundation for this laboratory. It will make a big difference in the lives of our students.”
Also present at the event was Florence Maame Hagan, the District Governor of Rotary District 9104. She encouraged the students to take advantage of the opportunity given to them.
“To you the students- you are beneficiaries of technology that would open up the world to you. You have the potential to do great things, so make use of this opportunity. Learn, relearn, and make the difference so that people will know that Mamfe Methodist JHS has produced wonderful, knowledgeable, experienced students,” she said.
A citation by the school in honour of the Foundation partly read: “In recognition and sincere appreciation of your outstanding generosity and commitment to advancing education through the construction of a modern ICT laboratory for Mamfe Methodist JHS.”
The Victor Yaw Asante Foundation focuses on health and education, particularly for children.
