Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin has called for equal opportunities for all Ghanaian children, particularly those in rural communities, to help bridge the gap between urban and rural education.

He noted that many brilliant children in rural Ghana lacked the resources and opportunities available to their counterparts in urban areas, saying that hindered their ability to discover and nurture their talents.

The Okyenhene made the call when he addressed a grand traditional durbar in Akyem Wenchi, the seat of the Oseawuo division of the Akyem Abuakwa State, as part of the celebration of his 25th anniversary on the Ofori Panin stool.

Osagyefuo stressed that providing equal opportunities would enable rural children to thrive, and compete effectively. He further called for increased focus on women’s empowerment, noting that women had demonstrated prudence with even small investments.

“We must give opportunities to people to explore. We must invest in our children’s education, and give them the necessary support to be competitive. Women have proven to be prudent with little investments, so it is important that we focus on their education and support them to grow,” Osagyefuo stated.

As part of his commitment to advancing education, the Okyenhene has initiated the construction of 10 model schools across the Akyem Abuakwa State.

The Amoatia Ofori Panin Model School, recently commissioned in Akyem Wenchi, features 9 classrooms, a computer laboratory, ICT centers, a headmaster’s office, and a staff common room. The school will prioritize Mathematics, Science and Information Technology in its curriculum, reflecting Osagyefuo’s belief that science and technology are critical to human development.

So far, four model schools have been commissioned in Achiase, Wenchi, Kyebi and Osino, with the remaining schools set to open in the coming weeks.

Okyenhene Osagyefuo Amoatia Ofori Panin expressed concerns about irresponsible mining practices that had devastated the environment. He noted that while mining itself is not inherently harmful, the reckless methods currently employed are destroying water bodies, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

“Those who mined here decades ago did so responsibly. They didn’t destroy our water bodies or the environment, and they didn’t pollute the water with mercury and chemicals. So why are we destroying the environment now?” he questioned. He lamented the dire condition of Akwatia, Obuasi and Tarkwa, once thriving mining towns, which have little to show for the mining activities that took place there. He contrasted these communities with Johannesburg, South Africa, which has benefited significantly from its mining industry.