The Church of Pentecost’s Schools Outreach Ministry (SOM), in collaboration with the Teshie-Nungua Area of the church, has taken a bold step to improve safety and access to education by donating life jackets to students in Keta-Krachi of the Oti Region. The students face a daily challenge of crossing the Volta Lake to attend school, often without protective gear.
The donation ceremony, held on Friday, September 26, 2025, brought together church leaders, local authorities, traditional rulers, and community members to celebrate a significant step forward in ensuring that education does not come at the cost of children’s lives.
Pastor Frank Mensah Tandoh, National Coordinator of the Schools Outreach Ministry, explained that the idea was sparked by growing concern over the safety of students who spend up to three hours crossing the lake each day.
“We believe no child should risk their life just to get to school. These life jackets are a symbol of our commitment to protecting our children while promoting education,” he said.
The Kete-Krachi Area Head of the church, Pastor Charles Kwaku Ofosu, expressed gratitude to SOM for identifying the pressing need and responding swiftly, saying, “This is what ministry is all about – meeting people where they are and addressing real needs with practical love.”
The Queen Mother of Adoten, Nana Bakrife Eyerealeso II, commended the church’s initiative, describing it as timely and thoughtful.
“This donation brings hope to our community. Our children can now go to school with greater peace of mind, and parents can rest a little easier,” she said.
The Municipal Chief Executive Officer for Krachi West, Hon. Prosper Addo, also welcomed the intervention, revealing that the Assembly is finalising plans to build a boarding facility for students living across the lake.
“This intervention by The Church of Pentecost is a valuable complement to the district’s long-term strategy to improve access to education in island and lakeside communities,” he stressed.
The students and their parents welcomed the donation with joy and relief, describing the life jackets as a lifeline for children determined to pursue education despite geographical barriers.
This gesture from the church adds to a growing wave of community-led solutions aiming to close the education and safety gap in Ghana’s most underserved areas.
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