Traditional authorities and teachers in coastal communities, particularly in Elmina in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality in the Central Region have been urged to enforce stringent measures to discourage school children from engaging excessively in sea-related activities at the expense of their education.

The call comes amid growing concerns that many pupils in fishing communities continue to spend long hours at sea or along beaches assisting in fishing activities, negatively affecting school attendance, academic performance, and overall child development.

While fishing remains an important economic activity for many coastal families, stakeholders in the education sector advocates that children must not be overburdened with responsibilities that interfere with their education and future prospects.

Governor Kojo Brew, President of the Mfantseman Association of North America and Chief Operations Officer for the Obaatanpa Foundation, on behalf of Obaatanpa Dr. Nana Esi Egyirba l, Queen Mother of Mfantse Kuw of Maryland and Mfantseman Association of North America made this expression.

This was after a donation of school bags, mathematical sets, exercise books, and sanitary pads to pupils of selected schools in Elmina and Saltpond in the Mfantseman Municipality through the Obaatanpa Foundation.

In his address to Sompa TV's Eric Annan, he emphasized that “Children in coastal communities should be encouraged to see education as a pathway to broader opportunities rather than spending excessive time in fishing activities,” as he implored chiefs, parents, and teachers to work collectively in monitoring children’s activities in ensuring that school remains their priority.

The donation which sort to improve education among students within the aforementioned communities, saw students of over five (5) selected basic schools which includes the Elmina Catholic Boys and Girls JHS, Elmina Methodist Boys and Girls JHS, Dr. R.P. Baffoe Anglican Basic School JHS, Saltpond Methodist JHS, among others, all received of the donated items.

Some Headteachers whose schools benefited from the donation, couldn't hide their excitement towards the kind gesture but with heartfelt appreciation, showered profound blessings and thanksgiving to Obaatanpa Dr. Nana Esi Egyirba l and her Obaatanpa Foundation for the honour of benevolence stretched towards their students.

Sompaonline.com//Eric Annan