The Campaigns and Advocacy Manager of AfriKids Ghana, Raymond Ayinne, has called for a reassessment of national spending priorities, urging individuals and organisations to channel more resources into improving educational infrastructure in underserved communities.
Speaking on A1 Radio following a press release by the Northern Network for Education Development calling on the government to urgently address classroom deficits in Northern Ghana, Mr Ayinne expressed concern that some pupils continue to study under trees due to inadequate classroom facilities.
He argued that while investments in entertainment activities such as beauty pageants and musical concerts have value, greater attention should be given to addressing pressing educational needs.
“People are channeling money into things that are entertainment, which is okay. But can we look at our priorities as a country?” he said.
Mr Ayinne said Ghanaians must reassess their priorities and ensure that critical sectors such as education receive adequate support to provide conducive learning environments for children.
He noted that in some communities, the amount of money invested in a single entertainment event could help address basic infrastructure challenges facing schools.
“All of us who can invest money into beauty pageants, musical concerts, they are good, they are important. But in a country where children are sitting under trees and learning, and just one funding from one pageant can solve that problem in the community, let us think twice as a people,” he said.
Mr Ayinne called on individuals, philanthropists, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to support the provision of educational infrastructure, particularly in communities where classroom shortages remain a major challenge.
He stressed that investment in education should be a shared responsibility and encouraged Ghanaians to consider directing more resources towards initiatives that improve learning conditions for children.
Mr Ayinne said greater investment in school infrastructure would provide safer and more conducive learning environments and contribute to improved educational outcomes.
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