In a remarkable act of philanthropy set to reshape the future of education in the Wenchi Municipality, renowned benefactor Grace Jemima Antwi, together with her children, has officially handed over a state-of-the-art 300-bed girls’ dormitory to Nkyeraa Senior High School.

The ultra-modern facility, valued at GH¢3.85 million, stands as a beacon of hope for hundreds of female students who have long endured severe accommodation challenges.

The project includes 19 washrooms, a spacious recreational hall, residential apartments for two housemistresses, ceiling fans to enhance ventilation, and an expansive compound designed for student activities.

The symbolic presentation of the facility was carried out by Kwasi Frimpong on behalf of Ms Antwi and her family. He formally handed over the keys to traditional leaders of Nkyeraa, who subsequently transferred ownership to the school authorities in a ceremony marked by gratitude and cultural reverence.

Speaking at the forecourt of the newly constructed dormitory, Frimpong revealed that the project was inspired by a troubling reality uncovered during an earlier engagement between Ms. Antwi and school authorities.

“A few years ago, during discussions with the leadership of Nkyeraa Senior High School, it came to light that boys and girls were sharing the same dormitory block an arrangement we all agreed was inappropriate and unacceptable,” he recounted.

“From that very moment, the family resolved to be part of the solution. Today, by the grace of God and with the support of many committed individuals, that vision has become a reality,” he added.

He expressed heartfelt appreciation to all contributors who played diverse roles in bringing the project to fruition and called on stakeholders to intensify partnerships with government and educational institutions to expand access to quality education.

Frimpong also paid tribute to Ms Antwi’s sons, Kingsley Antwi Chairman of the Nkyeraa SHS Board and Isaac Kwame Antwi, for their unwavering commitment throughout the project’s execution.

In a further demonstration of their dedication to education, the family announced a scholarship package for five outstanding WASSCE graduates this year to support their pursuit of higher education.

He urged school authorities and students to maintain the facility diligently to preserve its value for future generations, while encouraging students to remain focused on their academic aspirations.

The Headmistress of Nkyeraa Senior High School, Mrs Veronica Amponsah, described the gesture as transformative, expressing profound gratitude to the Antwi family.

“Your vision, sacrifice, and commitment have made this dream a reality. This contribution will forever be written in gold in the history of this institution,” she said.

Mrs Amponsah highlighted the persistent infrastructural deficits that have plagued the school since its establishment, describing Nkyeraa SHS as one of the least endowed second-cycle institutions in the Bono Region.

“For years, our students have had no proper dormitory facilities. Many have been forced to stay with relatives, teachers, and friends outside campus, while others walk long distances daily. These conditions expose them to dangers, distractions, lateness, absenteeism, and poor academic concentration,” she lamented.

She used the occasion to appeal to the Wenchi Municipal Assembly, led by Member of Parliament, Alhaji Seidu Haruna and Gloria Opoku Gyamfi, Municipal Chief Executive, to prioritize the school in the allocation of GETFund and other government development projects.

On behalf of the school’s management and staff, Mrs. Amponsah pledged that the facility would be properly managed and maintained to serve its intended purpose.

Reporting by Daniel Donkor, Bono Region