Pekyerekye, a town in Asante Akyem, in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, witnessed a remarkable event on November 10, 2024, as natives living abroad came together to raise funds for the construction of a computer laboratory for local school children. The initiative, spearheaded by Kofi Nti, a native of Pekyerekye, aims to bridge the digital divide and provide children with the foundational IT skills essential in today’s world.
The fundraiser, held at Pekyerekye, was graced by prominent personalities, including the Chief of Pekyerekye, Nana Opuni Kwagyan III, and Nana Afum Amoah Agyarko II, Omanhene Kontihene of Domeabra, who represented the Omanhene of Domeabra, Nana Bafour Owusu. Other notable attendees were the Assemblyman of Pekyerekye, Joseph Agyarko Frimpong; Chairman of the Pekyerekye Educational and Health Committee, Jamal Latif Frimpong; and committee secretary Robert Rexford Anim. Travel blogger Akesse Sanza also attended, representing his brother Nana Kwadwo Boadu (Italy resident) as the event’s chairman.
In his keynote address, Nana Opuni Kwagyan III highlighted the urgent need for equipping school children with computer literacy. “The world has reached a stage where nothing is done without IT,” he stated, urging attendees to donate generously to the project. He expressed gratitude to Kofi Nti for rallying support from the diaspora and extended special thanks to Yaw Boadu, a Germany-based native, for his consistent contributions to the town’s development.
Akesse Sanza, in his chairman’s response, emphasized the transformative potential of the computer laboratory. “Constructing a computer laboratory won’t be just building a physical space, but laying the foundation for brighter futures and greater possibilities,” he said.
The event featured poetry and rhymes recitations by school children, a choreography performance, and the presentation of awards to outstanding students. Health worker Georgina Yirenkyi also delivered a talk on teenage pregnancy, educating the community on the importance of health and wellness for young people.
By the end of the fundraiser, the goal of acquiring 50 computers for the laboratory was achieved, marking a significant milestone in the town’s educational development.