Story By: Mohammed Faisel Mustapha/Felix Ernest Odamtten
The Supreme Head of Gbese Sonmenaa, Nii Doku III, has donated trunks, mattresses and other essential items to students from the Ga Mashie community who are preparing to begin Senior High School (SHS).
The items are intended to assist the students as they prepare to report to their respective schools and also help ease some of the financial pressure on their parents and guardians.
The presentation forms part of Nii Doku III’s efforts to support education and youth development within the community.
Speaking during the presentation, Nii Doku III, who is also the Sempe Muslim Akwashongtse, Nii Adote Odaawulu I, and the Akweiman Mantse , said education remained an important foundation for the development of young people and the wider Ga-Dangme community.
He said traditional authorities had a responsibility to complement the efforts of parents, government and other stakeholders by supporting initiatives that promoted the education and development of young people.
Nii Doku III urged the beneficiaries to take their studies seriously and make good use of the opportunity provided to them.
He said the support was meant not only to provide the students with some of the items required for their admission to SHS, but also to encourage them to remain focused on their education.
According to him, the development of the Ga-Dangme area would require sustained investment in the younger generation through education, skills training and other forms of empowerment.
He encouraged parents and guardians to continue providing the necessary guidance and support to their children, saying the responsibility for developing the youth could not be left to one institution or group alone.
Nii Doku III further called for greater attention to youth empowerment, particularly through education, vocational and technical training, entrepreneurship and mentorship.
He said young people needed the knowledge and skills to become economically productive and contribute to the development of their families and communities.
The traditional leader also encouraged the youth to value their cultural heritage while acquiring the skills required to participate effectively in the modern economy.
He said traditional authorities, government, private organisations and community members could work together to create more opportunities for young people.
The donation of the school items was therefore seen as a practical contribution towards helping the students make a smooth transition from basic education to SHS.
For the beneficiaries and their families, the trunks, mattresses and other items are expected to reduce some of the immediate requirements associated with starting secondary education.
Nii Doku III reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that would promote education and create opportunities for the youth, stressing the importance of preparing the younger generation to contribute to the future development of the Ga-Dangme community.
