The Africa Centre for Education and Community Development (ACECD) proudly inaugurated the J.E. Kearney Memorial R/C Basic School in Apesokubi, marking a significant milestone in the community's educational development. This event followed eight months of dedicated construction, resulting in a state-of-the-art 3-classroom block equipped with a 10-seater W/C, kitchen, canteen, playground, and a fully renovated 6 unit primary classroom block.

The inauguration was attended by a diverse group of dignitaries, including members of the diaspora, the Apesokubi traditional council, the Oti Regional House of Chiefs and chief executives from various institutions. Their presence highlighted the importance of this project for both the local community and the wider region.

Nana Okogyeaman Asiedu Koram II, Paramount Chief of Apesokubi, delivered a warm welcome address, expressing his immense pride in the community's achievements. He noted that since 2014, ACECD has spearheaded several development projects in Apesokubi, and he is proud to lead a community that now boasts of one of the finest educational facilities in the entire Oti Region.

The event was chaired by Nana Mprah Besemuna III, Krachiwura, and the President of the Oti Regional House of Chiefs. In his address, Nana Besemuna III emphasized that quality education is one of the greatest legacies that can be bestowed upon children—a vision that ACECD has diligently pursued. He also urged authorities to adopt a positive maintenance culture to preserve the new facilities for future generations.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Cletus Kwame Forson who is a trustee of the International Help of Missionaries (IHM) served as the keynote speaker. He encouraged parents to take active responsibility for their children's future by ensuring they receive a quality education. He stressed the importance of a conducive learning environment for effective teaching and learning and urged traditional leaders to instill in the youth an appreciation for development and the role they must play in their community's progress.

Fergus Murphy, Board Chairman of ACECD, expressed profound gratitude to all who contributed to the successful completion of the ultra-modern school block and its ancillary facilities. Having visited the community four times, he has gained a deep understanding of its needs and, together with other donors, remains committed to furthering development in Apesokubi, the Oti Region, and beyond.

Dr. Amar Deep Singh Hari, Executive Chairman of IPMC, was among the guest speakers. He expressed his deep appreciation for the contributions made by ACECD and its donors to the development of the Apesokubi community. Dr. Hari also extended his gratitude to those who traveled from America, Asia, Europe, and various towns in Ghana to attend the inauguration. As part of his commitment to supporting education in Apesokubi, he announced that, in collaboration with Books for Africa, he would be donating books and other ICT resources to modernize the school's library, ensuring that students are well-equipped to compete with their peers in urban areas.

Mrs. Irene Jacquelinda Attabra, Acting Regional Director of Education for the Oti Region, thanked ACECD and the family of J.E. Kearney for their pivotal role in building this state-of-the-art school. She highlighted the importance of communities partnering with various organizations to achieve significant progress. Mrs. Attabra also emphasized the need for the school staff to deliver the highest standards of education and to maintain the new facilities diligently.

Rev. Fr. Dr. Richard Baafi, a proud son of Apesokubi, also addressed the gathering. He encouraged parents to take good care of their children, particularly their daughters, by meeting their needs and supporting their education. He shared his personal experience of how mentoring from figures like Rev. Fr. Dr. Cletus Forson inspired him to pursue further studies, profoundly impacting his life.

The inauguration of the J.E. Kearney Memorial R/C Basic School stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and commitment to educational excellence. ACECD's efforts in Apesokubi have created a modern, well-equipped learning environment that will benefit generations of students, fostering the community's growth and development for years to come.