SMA launches education fund

STORY: FROM MICHAEL SARPONG MFUM, SUNYANI

The Sunyani Municipal Assembly (SMA) has launched an education fund with a seed capital of GH 40,000 to support brilliant but needy students in the municipality.

The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sunyani, Mr Kwasi Oppong Ababio, in his address at the launch disclosed: “The launching of the fund has become necessary because of the demand for financial assistance from students both in the tertiary, training colleges and Senior High Schools were too much.

When I assumed office last year, I saw that there was nothing of this sort to help students in the municipality—the demand for financial assistance was becoming unbearable because at times I have to use my own pocket to support these students, how much is my salary.

He explained that it was against this backdrop that he together with his executives decided to establish a fund to enhance education of inhabitants in the area.

A board of trustees has been constituted to manage the funds which can be access by people in and outside the Sunyani municipality.

“If you fall into the above category of students we would surely come in to support you,” he disclosed.

The fund which received lots of commendation was launched under the theme: “Education, our progress, our future.”

The assembly would in addition provide GH10, 000 to the fund each quarter of the year from its share of the common fund.

Mr Ababio, however, made a passionate appeal to citizens of Sunyani to contribute their quota to the fund for its sustenance.

He also called on organisations, philanthropies and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) within the municipality to support the fund.

Apart from the establishing the fund, new classroom blocks are being built while dilapidated ones are being renovated.

He further disclosed his outfit would, through the District Development Fund (DDF), help construct two classroom blocks in addition.

In the area of health, Mr Ababio noted that the assembly is putting up three health centres at Abesim-Nkrankrom, Atronie and Nwawasua.