The Africa Centre for Education and Community Development (ACECD) has officially donated ultra-modern sports facilities to the J.E. Kearney Memorial Roman Catholic Primary School in Apesokubi, a rural community in the Biakoye District of Oti Region in Ghana. The school, constructed by ACECD in the latter part of 2024, provides quality basic education from crèche and kindergarten, through to Grade Six, serving children from Apesokubi and surrounding communities.
A Model School for Rural Education
The J.E. Kearney Memorial Roman Catholic Primary School is uniquely equipped to support effective teaching and learning in a rural setting. Facilities available at the school include:
• Modern interactive classrooms
• Computer laboratory
• Staff common room
• Water-closet sanitation system
• Bathing apartments for toddlers
• Playground for the pre-school
• Dining hall
• Modern kitchen
• Mini football pitch
The school currently stands as the only basic school in the area with such comprehensive educational infrastructure, reflecting ACECD’s commitment to quality and equity in rural education.
Promoting Talents Through Sports and Physical Development
In line with its holistic education philosophy, ACECD has constructed ultra-modern sports facilities to enhance extracurricular activities and nurture pupils’ talents. The facilities include:
• Basketball court
• Volleyball court
• Lawn tennis court.
The project was generously sponsored by the Kearney Family, whose continued support has significantly contributed to educational and community development in Apesokubi.
Historic Inauguration Ceremony
The sports facilities were formally inaugurated on 3rd January 2026 during a grand durbar chaired by the Paramount Chief, Nana Asiedu Koram II. The ceremony brought together parents, teachers, pupils, chiefs and elders, community opinion leaders, and officials of the National Sports Authority (NSA). According to the Oti Regional Director of NSA, the facility is the first of its kind in the Oti Region and has the capacity to host district and regional sporting events.
Commitment to the Rural Child
Speaking at the ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of ACECD, Rev. Fr. Dr Richard Baafi, emphasised the importance of physical exercise in developing children’s cognitive abilities and nurturing raw talents. He reaffirmed ACECD’s guiding belief that when the rural child is given the necessary attention and support, he or she can compete for opportunities with the most privileged child anywhere in Ghana and beyond.
Dr Baafi referred to the Classical Latin adage “mens sana in corpore sano” meaning a sound mind in a sound body to underline the importance of taking care of the body and the mind. He expressed special gratitude to the Kearney Family for their continued and generous support to the Apesokubi community through ACECD.
Gratitude
The chiefs and people of Apesokubi township expressed heartfelt appreciation to ACECD, the donor, IHM, and all partners involved for prioritising education, youth development, and social inclusion in rural marginalised communities.
Empowering Through Education and Training
Each apprentice in the programme received an industrial sewing machine along with necessary accessories, ensuring they have required tools to hone their skills. The organisation further provided monthly stipends throughout the period of apprenticeship for three years to provide financial support as they learned their trade.
Rita Atta Asabea, one of the standout graduates, completed her training at Tuprah Clothings in Accra and is now poised to launch her career in the fashion industry. "This programme has changed my life," Rita expressed during her graduation ceremony. She was extremely optimistic about the life-changing opportunities laying ahead and exclaimed "I now have the skills and resources to support myself and my family."
A Vision for the Future
ACECD remains dedicated to his vision of improving school learning environments and providing vocational skills and entrepreneurial training across Ghana especially among the less privileged. The graduation of this first batch of apprentices marks a significant step towards achieving these goals. It is the firm aim of ACECD that empowering individuals through competence-based training can create a ripple effect to enhance the overall well-being of rural and deprived communities.
As we celebrate the achievements of our graduates, ACECD looks forward to expanding its programmes to make positive impacts on the life of many young people in various regions. For more information about ACECD and its initiatives, please visit our website or contact us directly.
