THE KROBO QUILL: Odumase Presby Church

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

POOR MAN, NO FRIEND- an epistle to the leadership of my church

The sandals of my good friend

Close up with my good friend

I watched with teary eyes as “Rev” John Teye, a.k.a GO SLOW shuffled through the pews in the Zimmerman Presby Chapel, Odumase-Krobo in his usual DECENTLY WRETCHED apparel and followed other sharply dressed members of the congregation to take the Sunday offertory.

Spotting his afro hair style- very typical of him- against a white-turned-brown long sleeved shirt, neatly tucked into a zip-less and oversized trouser held to the waist with a narrow rope of a belt, his diary tucked under his armpit and this pen pegged downwards into his breast pocket (typical of a medieval/colonial pupil teacher), the frail-looking old man (Octogenarian, I guess) walked pass the offertory box and dropped his “widow’s mite”, a coin which rang like a typical Basel Mission School bell. This I have observed him do- without fail- since my Primary school days in the 90s; the man has been old since I was young.

His slightly unbalanced mental state notwithstanding, this man has been a staunch member of my church, participating in virtually all activities (at least by his mere presence) to the admiration of all. Yet, not for once did the church- as a body- go out of its ORTHODOX role of “SPIRITUALLY” feeding him with the raw gospel to attempt attending to his SOCIAL needs by way of social responsibility.

How he survives (his food, clothing and shelter) is still a mystery and nobody seems to care, at least none that has come to my attention. I think, now I better understand the axiom, POOR MAN, NO FRIEND, I know I’m guilty too because I have looked on till date as he grayed and single-handedly battled his fate- the whole world looking on in akimbo.

You don’t think the church can prove itself more responsive to the plight of the LOWLY-PLACED in our community? I eagerly await the day he would be publicly acknowledged and rewarded as is done the “highly placed”.

We certainly CANT wait any longer only to reward him with a GRAVE SPACE in the Presbyterian cemetery for being a member of the church.

While we wait for that day, you and I can also show him some love- get on board if you share this conviction.

Published on my facebook wall on May 8, 2012

Tete-a-tete with "Rev" John Teye

My friend, Larnor Peter Nyarko couldn't help but to take a shot with "Rev" too

He will never dress without tucking in his shirt, a typical Presbyterian

Thursday, October 30, 2014

ZAIN GHANA HANDS OVER ODUMASE PRESBY JHS BLOCK (BACK PAGE)

The school building in its present new form

Full video available via this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLVH07UUu1k&list=UU7ljxYzKiZJZYmrQI8c0nLA

Three months after Zain Ghana’s promise to the chiefs and people of Odumase-Krobo in the Lower Many Krobo District of the Eastern Region, the company has breathed a new life into the Odumase Presby Junior High School by razing to the ground the decrepit 121 year old classroom block and raised in its place a modern 6-unit educational facility.

The new disabled-friendly building which was inaugurated at a colourful ceremony on Wednesday August 12, 2009 is furnished with new dual desks from the pupils, tables/chairs for the teachers and has a 30-seater computer laboratory with internet connectivity as well as a 40-seater library. It also has a fully stocked staff common room, a headmaster’s office with fridge, washrooms, a rain harvesting/storage facility as well as a water pumping machine.

The state of the art facility would not only serve pupils of the school but double as a resources center for other basic schools in the district.

The reconstruction of the school, followed the publication of the woes of the teachers and students in the May 7, 2009 edition of the Daily Graphic newspaper. According to the report, the school faced imminent closure since the building was not only a death trap but did not provide a conducive environment for effective academic work.

Parts of the roof of the structure, which had never rehabilitated since it was constructed in 1888, often flew about anytime it rained. In one of those instances, a falling debris killed a 12-year-old class six pupil, Bernard Narteh and injured three others.

The CEO Mr. Chris Gabriel addressing the gathering

Speaking at the inauguration, the Chief Executive of Zain Africa, Mr Chris Gabriel, expressed the pride of his outfit to be associated with the project. He said “We are not only proud to have delivered on our promise within record time of three months but are also proud of the high spirit, dedication and passion displayed by the our staff towards the construction of this facility that will put a smile on the faces of these future leaders,” he stated.

“Since our children are the future leaders, who have a basic right to education, we are resolved to work with stakeholders to ensure a bright future for these young ones,” he added.

Hon. Samuel Ofosu Ampofo taking his turn to address the gatheing

For his part, the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, also commended Zain Ghana, for its commitment to educational development in the country, adding, “you have proved by your commitment that you are a worthy ally to form a partnership with to solve both the communication challenges and socio-economic difficulties facing the region.

The Headmaster, rendering his appreciation on the day of the handing over

The Headmaster, Nene Seth Ayertey, also thanked management of Zain for the swift intervention and promised to take good care of properties and the entire facility.

The pupils having a good time

The students preparing to embark on a procession before the handing over ceremony

Float in session

Students off on a float prior to the event

Zain official admiring the compound

(R-L) Mr. Steve Torode, Chief Operating Officer, Zain Central Africa; the CEO of Zain Africa, Mr. Chris Gabriel, MP for Lower Manya, Michael Tey Nyaunu and Mr. Kodjo Baah, an aide to the MP in a hearty chat after the event