E/R:CHIEF OF ASIAKWA CHAMPIONS GIRL-CHILD EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY, AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

 


The Chief of Asiakwa, Daasebre (Dr) Twum Ampofo II, who also serves as the Nifahene of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area, has reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to education, environmental conservation, and community development.

In a remarkable initiative, the Chief has adopted over 60 Junior High School students in the Asiakwa community and its surrounding areas as part of his annual action plan, aimed at empowering young people through education.

To address a critical challenge faced by young girls, Daasebre partnered with Positive Period, an NGO, to distribute sanitary pads, wipes, and soap to female students. This initiative was launched during the first session of the 2025 Akwasidae festival celebrated by the Nifa Division of the Akyem Abuakwa Traditional Area and will be sustained monthly in line with the festival's schedule throughout the year.

Before the distribution, the Chief, in collaboration with Nana Fofi Afia, Nkɔsoɔhemaa I (Development Queen Mother) of Asiakwa, organized a day-long workshop on reproductive health and hygiene. The program, dubbed "Positive Period," educated students on menstrual health, personal hygiene, and early detection techniques. Schools that benefited from the initiative included Asiakwa Presby JHS, Asiakwa Roman Catholic School, Salvation Army, Blessed Way Mountain Zorray, and others.



Speaking at the event, Daasebre Twum Ampofo II emphasized the importance of menstrual hygiene to girls' education, noting that providing sanitary pads enables girls to attend school without interruptions, boosting their confidence and academic performance.

The Chief also addressed the pressing issue of illegal mining, locally known as "galamsey," and destructive farming practices around Asiakwa. He highlighted the environmental damage caused by these activities, including deforestation, water pollution, and unsustainable farming, and called for collective efforts to preserve the community's natural resources.

Contrary to popular belief, Daasebre clarified that Asiakwa's water crisis is not directly caused by illegal mining but by the effects of climate change, which have significantly impacted water resources in Ghana. The Chief explained that the extensive reliance on mechanized boreholes has exacerbated the water shortage.

As part of his action plan, Daasebre pledged to provide additional boreholes with support from local citizens, offering a sustainable solution to the water scarcity issue. He urged citizens, stakeholders, and those living abroad to contribute to the community’s development, emphasizing the importance of a collaborative approach to solving pressing challenges and fostering growth.

In an interview, Nana Fofi Afia expressed gratitude to her Netherlands-based partner for their support of the "Positive Period" initiative, which aims to dismantle menstrual stigma and promote hygiene. She encouraged parents and stakeholders to support girls' education and ensure they have the resources to succeed.

Elizabeth Tei, a teacher from Asiakwa Roman Catholic Basic School, also highlighted the negative impact of menstrual stigma on girls’ education, noting that many are forced to skip school due to a lack of sanitary pads.

Meanwhile, Julia Nolst Trenite, a resident of Asiakwa living in the Netherlands, announced plans to provide two mechanized boreholes to alleviate the water crisis, aligning with the Chief's development agenda.

Daasebre (Dr) Twum Ampofo II’s multifaceted initiatives are set to leave a lasting impact on education, health, and environmental sustainability in Asiakwa, creating a brighter future for generations to come.

Credit: Paul Manyo

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