Cocobod-Barry-Nyonkopa Traceable Foundation has handed over a newly constructed nine -unit classroom block to the Wassa Afransie Methodist Basic School in the Wassa East Municipal in Western Region as part of efforts to support education in cocoa-growing communities across the country.
The handing-over ceremony took place on Thursday, June 4,2026, with stakeholders describing the project as a major boost for education in the Wassa Afransie community.
The facility includes classrooms, offices, storerooms, canteen, computer laboratory and 8-seater washroom facility with other ancillaries aimed at providing a safer and more conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers.
The project is part of their impact-driven approach focused on promoting the prosperity of cocoa farmers and building self-sustaining and thriving farming communities while ensuring the protection of nature and responsible labour practices.
Speaking at the ceremony, Director of Research COCOBOD, Dr Isaac Manu, mentioned that these are some of the measures to eradicate child labour in cocoa growing areas.
Cocobod in collaboration with Ministry of Employment and Labour Relations have created child labour desk. The strategy is to identify, mediate and prevent child labour in the cocoa growing areas.
The project has helped reduce child labour in the cocoa growing areas.
Our aim is to bring in infrastructure so that children will have access to education and reduce child labour.
He said the school project was intended to inspire hope and create greater opportunities for children within the community.
“I am delighted to be here today for this brief ceremony to hand over a nine-unit classroom block with offices, storeroom, and toilet facilities to the Wassa Afransie Methodist Basic School, an initiative that will inspire new hope and create greater opportunities for the children of this community,” he said.
He stressed the importance of creating safe and comfortable learning environments for children, noting that classrooms play a critical role in shaping young minds and nurturing dreams.
“In a good classroom, students feel comfortable, respected, and ready to learn. It is a place where young minds are shaped, confidence is built, and dreams are nurtured,” he added.
The Head of Business at Nyonkopa Cocoa buying Limited, Eddy Nartey, described education as a key pillar for national development and noted that the new facility would significantly improve teaching and learning conditions in the community.
“This facility will not only provide improved classrooms for pupils and teachers, but also inspire confidence, encourage regular school attendance, and promote better academic performance among learners,” he added.
He appealed to the school authorities, parents, and the community to ensure proper maintenance of the facility so that it will continue to serve generations yet unborn.
“For us at Nyonkopa Cocoa, providing these school infrastructure contributes to our vision of ensuring that all children are able to embrace the opportunities and realise their full potential living in communities that are safe and self-reliant for all.
These projects are jointly funded and implemented by Cocobod-Barry-Nyonkopa Traceable Foundation. The foundation seeks to support local community projects aimed at improving the living conditions of farming communities based in cocoa-growing districts who are engaged in the production and supply of Traceable cocoa.
Today is more than a ceremony, it reflects our shared commitment to improving education in our communities. We all know that for some time, both schools have had to manage with limited space and inadequate facilities. Many pupils have studied under challenging conditions, and teachers have done their best with what was available. That reality is what makes today so meaningful. These new facilities have been carefully designed not just to provide classrooms, but to create a complete and supportive learning environment,” he said.
By Benjamin Aidoo
