By Juliet Aguiar DUGBARTEY, Agona Nkwanta
Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC has refurbished the Assembly Hall of Baidoo Bonsoe Senior High Technical School (SHTS) as part of its commitment to education and community development within its operational areas.
The intervention forms part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility programme aimed at improving learning infrastructure and supporting human capital development.
At a brief ceremony at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western Region, the Chief Executive officer (CEO) of Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC, Benjamin Afful-Eshun, explained that the decision to rehabilitate the facility was informed by years of structural deterioration that had rendered the hall unsafe for major school events, including Annual General Meetings (AGMs).
“We observed serious defects in the building, including damaged ceilings, leaking roofs, broken windows and poor sanitary facilities. The condition of the hall became so worrying that about three years ago, we had no choice but to move our AGMs to St. Mary’s,” he said.
According the CEO an attempt to undertake minor repairs later proved inadequate, as the damage was more severe than initially anticipated.
“When work began, it became clear that we could not fix the ceiling, windows and roof and leave the floor untouched. Parts of the hall were structurally weak, and we had to take a bold decision,” Mr. Afful-Eshun noted.
As a result, he said the bank undertook a comprehensive renovation, which involved demolishing and reconstructing nearly half of the hall, including sections of the gallery and terraces, to ensure long-term durability and safety.
“The project, which cost approximately GH¢500,000, covered roofing, ceiling works, flooring, windows, washrooms and other structural improvements”, he added.
He appealed to students to take responsibility for maintaining the facility, stressing that the sustainability of the investment depended largely on how well it was cared for.
The Board Chairman of Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC, Rt. Rev. De-Graft Brace, said the bank considers education a critical pillar for sustainable development, stressing that investments in school infrastructure yield long-term benefits for communities.
“This is one of our CSR project to commemorate the bank’s 40 years anniversary”, he added.
He urged school management, staff, students and the surrounding community to take collective responsibility for protecting and maintaining the facility to ensure its longevity.
“When institutions invest scarce resources into projects like this, it is important that beneficiaries take ownership. Proper maintenance will allow this facility to serve not only current students but future generations as well,” he said.
The Headmaster of Baidoo Bonsoe SHTS, Edward Bordes, expressed gratitude to Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC for the intervention.
He noted that the hall will serve as a central venue for assemblies, examinations and school events, adding that the school continues to face broader infrastructural challenges.
He pointed out that the absence of a boundary wall exposes the school to encroachment, harassment and theft, while several classrooms remain unsecured, leading to the frequent loss of electrical fittings and cables.
He appealed to individuals, corporate bodies and philanthropists to support efforts to secure the school’s perimeter, refurbish additional facilities such as the dining hall and kitchen, and address sanitation challenges – including access to running water.
The post Ahantaman Rural Bank PLC refurbishes Baidoo Bonsoe SHTS Assembly Hall appeared first on The Business & Financial Times.
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