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As part of its corporate social responsibility, the Volta River Authority (VRA) has renovated the Kaleo D/A Primary School in the Nadowli-Kaleo District, Upper West Region and provided ancillary facilities to enhance teaching and learning. 

Prior to the renovation, the Kaleo D/A Primary, which lies in between the Authority’s two solar power plants at Kaleo lacked the needed infrastructure to promote good education for the kids in the community. In light of this, VRA, being a socially responsible organisation opted to upgrade the facility as part of the Authority’s corporate social responsibility.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ag. Director, Water Resources and Renewable Energy at VRA, Ing. Abdul Noor Wahab, who spoke on behalf of the Chief Executive, said, the strategic location of the school made it impossible to ignore the deplorable state of infrastructure, and brought to fore the need for VRA to embark on these renovations. He asserted that, this activity was aimed at putting the school in a better condition to improve the quality of teaching and learning.

He said, VRA in collaboration with relevant authorities, went ahead to identify aspects of the school’s infrastructure that impeded the smooth teaching and learning process. From weak doors, broken windows to inadequate furniture for both teachers and students, Ing. Wahab indicated that “by improving the poor nature of infrastructure of the school to a much more suitable state through the provision of basic needs identified, he was hopeful that the facelift would promote teaching and learning and by extension inure to a total community development”.

He urged the community to support and protect the solar power plants since they would in due time appreciate the impact of the project on their lives, and the development of the community in general. He advised the school authorities to inculcate the spirit of maintenance to ensure that the investment made to the project yielded the expected results. 

For her part, the Head Teacher of Kaleo D/A Primary School, Madam Sophia Sabogu, expressed gratitude to the VRA for giving a facelift to the school. She noted that the revamped facility would positively impact teaching and learning as well as attract more learners to the school with its beautiful appearance. “The renovation means a lot to the pupils, teachers, and the community as well. I can say we are privileged to have this from VRA. We are most grateful to the VRA, and we pray that God will replenish the VRA a million times,” she said. She noted that, the Kaleo D/A Primary School, which was started in 1947, currently has one hundred and seventy-two (172) pupils and seven (7) teachers.

Works undertaken at the school include:

• Replacement of classroom doors as well as that of staff room and headmistress’ office
• Supply of school desks for children and teachers
• Construction of borehole and overhead tank 
• Repair of kitchen building
• Construction of toilet facilities for both teachers /students
• Painting of the school 
• Provision of tables and chairs for library
• Tiling of headmistress office and library
• Replacement of school windows
• Supply of cupboards
• Supply of ceiling fans and lights

Present at the handing over ceremony were the District Chief Executive of the Nadowli-Kaleo District, Hon. Katherine Tieyirr Lankono, the Regional Education Director, Mr. Razak Abdul Korah, the Caretaker Chief for the Kaleo Traditional Council, Kanyini Naa Ali Gado, Opinion Leaders, Management and Staff of VRA, as well as a section of the students who joined in the fanfare even though the school was on recess.

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The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private sector armof the World Bank Group, has announced the commencement of the Third Annual EDGE Student Design Competition, inviting aspiring designers to showcase their talents and innovative solutions for sustainable building design.

Supported by Switzerland through the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the EDGE Student Design Competition, now in its third year, is an opportunity for students and recentgraduates to exhibit their expertise in developing sustainable and cost-efficient building designs.

The competition is an integral part of the EDGE program, which aims to mainstream green buildings worldwide by aligning the interests of financial institutions, property developers, homeowners, and governments.

Participants are invited to design an affordable three-bedroom single-family home within a $30,000 budget, covering an area of 150 m2. The challenge is to incorporate passive design and engineering strategies to create homes that are sustainable, resource-efficient, visually appealing, and suitable for a family of five. The EDGE app, an innovation of IFC, will be a key tool for participants, supporting in design decisions and illustrating potential savings.

“This competition reflects IFC’s dedication to innovation in developing resource-efficient buildings,” said Kyle Kelhofer, IFC Senior Country Manager for Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

“By challenging students to think green, we’re investing in a new generation of professionals who will lead the way in environmentally sustainable design.”

The competition is open to students enrolled in built environment and construction-related courses at Ghanaian tertiary institutions, recent graduates within three years of their graduation date, and Ghanaian students pursuing similar courses overseas. Entrants must complete the Designing for Greater Efficiency (DfGE) course, a requirement that can be fulfilled within 2-3 weeks during the competition timeframe.

“In today’s world, where the effects of climate change are becoming increasingly apparent, it is crucial that we prioritize sustainable practices in the built environment,” said Hon. Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, Minister of Works and Housing. “The future of Ghana depends on our ability to design and construct buildings that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and resilient to the challenges we face.”

Prizes for the Third Annual EDGE Student Design Competition include an all-expenses-paid trip to South Africa to attend the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Green Building Convention, EDGE expert training, publication opportunities, and certificates.“The EDGE students design competition is an excellent opportunity for young talent to showcase their innovative ideas and apply their skills in a way that benefits both the economy and the environment, said Magdalena Wüst, Deputy Head of Cooperation Embassy of Switzerland to Ghana, Benin, and Togo. “We look forward to seeing how these bright minds use their creativity to solve real-world challenges.”

The competition is a vital step towards equipping the next generation with the knowledge and attitudes needed to champion the world’s journey towards a low-carbon future. It is an opportunity for emerging design professionals to leave a lasting impact in sustainable building design.

IFC invites all eligible students to seize this opportunity to display their talent and contribute to a greener, more sustainable future.

To participate, register by filling out this form accurately and follow the submission guidelines by August 10, 2024. Final design entries must be submitted via email to info@yechampropertyconsult.com by 5 pm on August 26, 2024.

Tamale West Hospital in Ghana has received a significant boost in its efforts to combat malaria, thanks to a generous donation of antimalarial medications from Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana. As the world relentlessly keeps fighting the malaria disease, this timely contribution underscores the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing one of the most pressing public health challenges in the region.    

Malaria continues to be a major health concern in Ghana, particularly in areas like Tamale, where transmission rates remain high. The burden of this mosquito-borne disease weighs heavily on communities, affecting both health and economic prosperity. In the face of such challenges, initiatives like Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana’s “ACT for Africa”, a Malaria Free Continent campaign aimed at prevention, and treatment are essential in reducing the impact of malaria on individuals and families. 

Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana’s donation of antimalarial medications to Tamale West Hospital exemplifies corporate social responsibility in action. By providing essential medicines like Lonart, Gsunate and others,  the pharmaceutical company not only supports the hospital’s efforts to treat malaria cases effectively but also contributes to the overall goal of malaria control and elimination in the region. 

“We are pleased to partner with Tamale West Hospital in the fight against malaria especially as World Malaria Day approaches,” said a representative from Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana, Mr. Ibrahim Mumuni. “This donation as spearheaded by the Managing Director of Bliss GVS Pharma, Mr. Gagan Sharma reflects our commitment to improving access to healthcare and promoting community well-being, especially in areas affected by preventable diseases like malaria. We have been making donations, and this year marks our fourth consecutive year of doing so”.

With access to quality antimalarial medications, the hospital can enhance its capacity to diagnose and treat malaria cases promptly, thereby reducing complications and saving lives. Moreover, this support reinforces the hospital’s role as a frontline institution in the battle against malaria in the Tamale community. 

Receiving the items on behalf of Tamale West Hospital, Dr. Billah Bagamsah, Head of Pharmacy Department, expressed gratitude to Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana for the good gesture. He said, “Malaria is among the top three mortalities in the hospital and this donation will really go a long way to curb and reduce the incidence rate.” He added that “Pregnant women and children under five years are the most vulnerable groups. So, we’ll be targeting them. If you check our OPD attendance, currently, as the rain has started, the OPD attendance for malaria is increasing and with these products, it will help the hospital treat this illness.” 

Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana’s commitment to supporting Tamale West Hospital underscores the power of partnerships in tackling global health challenges. By working together, stakeholders from the public and private sectors can make significant strides towards a malaria-free future for all. In the commemoration of World Malaria Day, let us celebrate initiatives like the donation from Bliss GVS Pharma Ghana, which bring hope and relief to communities affected by malaria. Together, we can continue the fight against malaria and move closer to the goal of a healthier, malaria-free world.

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