The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has distributed 1,500 dual desks to selected basic schools across the Accra metropolis.
This presentation, which is done annually, forms part of efforts to improve the learning environment and efficiency in schools.
Speaking to journalists after the presentation, the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Sackey, said the desks would provide students with comfortable seating to help them focus on learning and retain information.
“We undertake this activity every year to support the education system, ensuring that students have access to desks to sit behind and write their notes comfortably,” she said.
Mayor Sackey mentioned that the donation was not limited to one school, but would be shared among three schools across the three educational districts within the metropolis.
She also underscored the importance of fostering a maintenance culture among students, highlighting concerns about the handling and upkeep of the desks.
“It is essential to teach the children how to maintain these desks, as this will instil a sense of responsibility in them. I have engaged the Circuit Supervisors (CISOs) through the Metro Education Director to ensure they emphasise the need for proper maintenance,” she said.
Addressing students directly, she advised them to use the desks only for writing and avoid standing on them, as they were responsible for the upkeep of these resources.
Mayor Sackey expressed commitment to educational development, referencing recent town hall meetings where the AMA announced new school construction projects within its jurisdiction.
She assured that more developments would follow and called on CISOs to support the Metro Director by providing necessary information to enable timely actions.
The Accra Metro Education Director, Mrs Justine Ivy Apawu, who received the desks on behalf of the schools, commended the AMA’s efforts and clarified that the desks would be distributed to needy schools in the metropolis.
She explained that growing student enrolment necessitates additional resources each year, and the AMA has been consistent in supporting schools with such donations.
“Last year, they gave us a significant number of desks, and this year, they have increased the support due to rising student admissions,” Mrs Apawu said.
Mrs Apawu also noted the practical benefits of the additional desks, explaining that students could now sit more comfortably and maintain focus during exams, thus reducing instances of academic dishonesty.
She acknowledged the mayor’s responsiveness to educational needs, citing examples where the AMA had provided transportation during the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) period to ensure smooth logistics for students and staff.
