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Work begins on SDA Church vocational training school construction
The Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church last Wednesday cut sod for the construction of a $312,000 vocational training school at Effiduase in the New Juaben North Municipality to address youth unemployment.
The project, funded by the Global Mission Impact Fund of the General Conference of the SDA Church with support from the East Ghana Conference, the South Ghana Union Conference, and WAD, is expected to be completed by the end of July.
Dubbed ‘Breaking the poverty cycle’, the facility is designed to train more than 3,000 community members and promote entrepreneurship and self-reliance.
In his address, Pastor Prof. Owalabi Oyeleke Alabi said the project was mission-oriented and represents the church’s way of giving back to society.
Pastor Prof. Alabi called on leaders to uphold accountability, transparency, and honesty so that “the glory of the Lord will be seen in the community.”
He also advised the youth not to let their current circumstances determine their future.
“If you cannot change the living conditions and situation through government, be part of governance. Through your effort, change the future of any community or country you find yourself in,” he said.
The Project Coordinator, Elder Enoch Agyei-Darko, said the project was spearheaded by the Newlife SDA Church in Anlo Town and was rooted in addressing real socio-economic challenges.
He explained that the project will deliver practical, income-generating skills through vocational training in areas such as hairdressing, dressmaking, ICT, catering, bakery, water production, block molding, welding, and sign writing.
These initiatives, he said, will empower beneficiaries to secure employment or establish their own businesses, creating a ripple effect of economic independence within the community.
He noted that the classrooms will accommodate 300 learners at a time, allowing the same number of new students to enroll every six months.
Elder Agyei-Darko added that the project emphasizes life-skills development, financial literacy, health awareness, parenting, and personal development to ensure beneficiaries were not only economically empowered but also equipped to make informed and responsible life decisions.
He stressed that the project’s success will depend on collective commitment from the church, the community, and stakeholders.
He called for continuous collaboration, strong monitoring, efficient use of resources, and community ownership.
The ceremony was graced by the President of the East Ghana Conference, Pastor Dr. Samuel Bonya Arloo; the South Ghana Union Conference President, Pastor Col. Peter Nyarko Duodu; Newlife District Pastor, Pastor Osei Bonsu Sarpong; traditional leaders; Newlife District elders; church members; and community members.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
The Ghana Education Service (GES) has expressed sorrow over the death of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates in a road accident in the Upper West Region.
The deceased are Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, both students at Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School.
“Management of the Ghana Education Service has received with profound sorrow the tragic news of the untimely demise of two Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) candidates, Taufi Ibrahim and Abdul Khalid, students of Chiana Roman Catholic Junior High School in the Upper West Region,” a statement issued by Mr Daniel Fenyi, Head of Public Relations, GES, said.
It said preliminary reports indicated that the students died in a road traffic accident on Sunday, May 3, while travelling to Wa ahead of the commencement of the examination.
“We are deeply saddened that these young lives, full of promise and potential, have been cut short under such distressing circumstances.
“Management and staff of GES, and the entire education community, extend our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, the school, their classmates, and all who have been affected by this tragic incident. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
The statement said Management of the GES would continue to liaise with the appropriate authorities to ascertain full details of the incident and consider measures to prevent similar occurrences. –GNA
