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Tullow Ghana Limited has constructed a hostel for the Axim Girls’ Senior High School at Axim in the Nzema East Municipality of the Western Region.

The hostel, is to accommodate 500 students as well as house mistress of the and to help make staying at the school comfortable.

Commissioning the hostel, Mr. Charles Darku, Managing Director of Tullow Ghana Limited explained that the company’s approach to socio-economic investment has been reviewed and improved to focus on building capacity through education and skills development in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

“Projects that strengthen the local and national economy as well as developing shared infrastructure by adapting and leveraging Tullow’s infrastructure plans and projects to benefit host communities” are also our focus.

According to him, Tullow believes that education is the bedrock of society and a requisite foundation for development as a country.

“As part of our support for education, we have refurbished and equipped science laboratories at the Nkroful Agric Senior High School, Half Assini Senior High School and the Archbishop Porters Girls’ Senior High School, all here in the Western Region” he said.

Again, Mr. Darku mentioned that the company has provided scholarships to Ghanaians through erstwhile Tullow Group Scholarship Scheme. “We continue to provide scholarships at selected universities in Ghana such as the Ashesi University, University of Ghana, and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The scholarships are to support qualified Ghanaian students study STEM related courses which are essential for nation building”.

He added that Tullow Ghana is committed to diversity by providing opportunities for women in all areas of its operations; one of the key focus for us is girls education in STEM related areas.

“As an engineering company, the best legacy we can leave in Ghana is by leaving a pool of highly skilled Ghanaian/African engineering and technical professionals with women in the fore front. Girls education in STEM therefore remains one of the key aspects of our new socio- economic investment strategy” he said.

He encouraged local leaders to take initiative to develop communities in which they rule; the hostel should be put to good use and be managed well to serve the current students and generations to come. We also expect a rise in enrolment going forward.

Mrs. Theodora Appiah, Headmistress of Axim Girls’ SHS said, girl-child education should be encouraged by all for socio-economic development.

“The construction of this hostel has resulted in appreciable increase in enrolment and we hope the school will be over subscribe by a lot of students in the years to come” she said.

She expressed gratitude to Tullow Ghana Limited for the assistance and promised that the facility will be put to good use.

However, she mentioned assembly and dining halls, accommodation for teachers as well as administration block as what the school privations.

Awulae Atiburukusu III, Omanhene of Axim Traditional Area, who is the brain behind the establishment of the school commended Tullow Ghana Limited for the hostel facility.

He said the school which started with 23 students can now boast of 400 students, which is an indication that that girl-child education is important in this area.

He urged the school authorities to maintain the hostel and other equipment for students who will be rolled in future to also benefit.

Acting Director of Education, Nzema East Mr. Samuel Bortey said, the project is timely considering the challenges that comes with the flagship free SHS.

He noted that building strong quality education cannot be borne be government alone, therefore, support from any organization is commendable and that all hands must be on deck to ensure quality education at all levels.

He encouraged teachers to rededicate themselves to effective teaching and learning; GES will not relent on it effort in supporting any school in this direction.