Philip Acheampong, Cyrus Atiso and Anthony Owusu Prempeh are three teachers in Kotwea, a cocoa growing community in the Adansi South District of Ashanti Region in Ghana. Up until the last school year they had to commute for an average of 16 km each day to teach at the Kotwea Primary School. The lack of accommodation for teachers within the community where 260 out of the 385 children are enrolled in school has resulted in absenses and short school days, and, in turn, less motivation for parents to have their children attend.
Philip, Cyrus and Anthony say all this has changed this school year with the construction of a 6-bedroom accommodation. Parents and teachers have a much better and more regular relationship, and teachers now organise evening classes to assist their pupils. Since the school opened its doors on October 16th this year, teachers reported that their classes are full and the attendance is regular. The teachers no longer need to spend money on transportation and rent, but invest in building their own houses for their families.