Education in Adukrom-Akuapem in the Okere District of the Eastern Region received a significant boost on Friday, January 9, 2026, with the commissioning and dedication of the Gloria Boatema Dadey–Nifa Basic School. The colourful ceremony, held at the school premises, brought together traditional authorities, government officials, education stakeholders, parents, teachers, pupils and residents of Adukrom. The event marked the official handing over of the renovated Nifa Basic School facility and a newly constructed Kindergarten (KG) block, funded by the renowned philanthropists, Mr. Alex Dadey. The intervention addresses a major gap in the school’s history, as Nifa Basic School, established in 1997, had operated for nearly three decades without a kindergarten
Dignitaries present included the Overlord of Adukrom, Ahunuabobrim Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V, who is also the Adukromhene and Akuapem Nifahene; the Minister of Education and Member of Parliament for Tamale South, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu; the Member of Parliament for Okere, Hon. Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth; the District Chief Executive for Okere, Hon. Eric William Ayittey; Chief Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Mr. Alex Dadey; Chief Executive Officer of the KGL Foundation, Mr. Elliot Dadey; and other officials from the KGL Foundation.
In a welcome address, the Abontengdomhene expressed appreciation to all stakeholders for supporting education in Adukrom, he noted that the new facilities would greatly enhance learning outcomes in the district.
Delivering the Traditional Authority Address, Nana Osuodumgya Otutu Ababio V commended the philanthropists for their vision and generosity, describing education as the cornerstone of community development. He praised the collaboration between the community, government and private partners, which he said was key to sustainable development.
The Member of Parliament for Okere Constituency, Hon. Daniel Nana Addo-Kenneth, reaffirmed government’s commitment to education and applauded Mr. and Mrs. Dadey for complementing state efforts through their philanthropic investment.
The programme was intermixed with cultural displays by the Fontomfrom Group, showcasing Okuapemman heritage.
In a goodwill message, the District Chief Executive, Hon. Eric William Ayittey, expressed deep gratitude to the philanthropists for renovating the school and constructing the KG block. He explained that the absence of a kindergarten had previously affected enrolment and early childhood education in the area.
According to the DCE, the new facilities would improve teaching and learning, increase pupil attendance and boost the morale of teachers and learners. He stressed that the project symbolised hope and opportunity for children in the district, and reiterated the District Assembly’s commitment to education through improved infrastructure, teacher deployment and partnerships with development organisations. The DCE urged school authorities, teachers, pupils, parents, and community members to take good care of the facilities to ensure sustainability. He encouraged continued collaboration with development partners and endorsed the District Assembly’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for education and development.
Mr. Alex Dadey, in his submission, expressed profound gratitude to his wife and children for their unwavering support throughout his philanthropic journey. He shared his deep personal fulfillment in naming the school after his 90-year-old mother, Madam Gloria Boatema Dadey, describing the institution not merely as a physical structure but as a powerful family and community legacy.
Addressing the House, Mr. Dadey reflected on his childhood experiences, recalling how he often sat quietly in meetings where his late father and his peers passionately discussed the development of Okere land. These early exposures, he noted, planted a lifelong conviction in him that one day he would return to contribute meaningfully to the growth and advancement of his hometown.
He emphasized that the school also stands as a tribute to the enduring love of education upheld by his parents. His mother, Madam Gloria Boatema Dadey, he noted, stood firmly and faithfully behind one of Ghana’s most distinguished educationists of his generation, his late father, Dr. Alex Dadey. Dr. Dadey dedicated his entire life to education- teaching, mentoring, building institutions, and shaping young minds across Ghana. Among those influenced by his work were several national leaders, including former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
Mr. Dadey highlighted that while his father’s contributions were widely recognized, his mother’s role was equally remarkable. She served as his father’s pillar of strength, making personal sacrifices, offering encouragement, and sustaining the home through prayer and resilience, thereby enabling her husband to pursue his national mission of educating generations. Together, they shared a deep belief that education is the most powerful gift one generation can give to the next. The school, therefore, honors both parents and their shared legacy.
He further stated that he was raised with the conviction that education is not merely a privilege for a few but a responsibility to many, and that true success is meaningless unless it is shared. He stressed the importance of remembering one’s roots, noting that this principle was central to the decision to establish the school in Okere.
On behalf of the KGL Group, Mr. Dadey announced a strong commitment to developing the school into a model institution of academic excellence, the first of its kind on the Akuapem Ridge. He outlined plans to equip the school with modern learning resources, establish technology hubs, provide robust infrastructure, recruit and retain top-tier academic staff, and create a legacy fund dedicated to the school’s long-term maintenance.
He assured the Honorable Minister and the House that KGL Group intends to fully take over the cost of maintaining the school. As a technology-driven company, the Group aims to transform the institution into not only a model school for the community but a benchmark for educational excellence in Ghana.
In closing, Mr. Dadey remarked that no matter how far life takes an individual, home is where purpose is ultimately fulfilled. He cautioned that failure to invest in the education of children is equivalent to mortgaging the future of the community, reaffirming education as the cornerstone of sustainable development.
The Guest of Honour, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu, described the occasion as a celebration of partnership and hope. He commended Mr. Alex Dadey and the KGL Group for their remarkable contribution to education in Okere, urging other corporate bodies to channel their corporate social responsibility into areas that promote national development, particularly education.
He emphasised the importance of investing in basic education, noting that strong foundational learning determines a child’s future. He disclosed that government would prioritise increased investment in foundational education and he announced that, beginning of 2026, special needs education would be free, funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund with an allocation of ¢100 million. He implored Mr Adadey to dedicate an additional Artificial Intelligence (AI) training center to the school. Hon. Iddrisu also highlighted ongoing curriculum reforms aimed at introducing electronics, robotics, coding, artificial intelligence and financial literacy from kindergarten to primary six. He further revealed that Ghana had secured $200 million from the World Bank, expected to rise to $250 million to upgrade 30 Grade C senior high schools to Grade A status, adding that NIFA Senior High School was among the beneficiaries. He commended the good working relationship between the District Chief Executive of Okere and the Member of Parliament for Okere and called on other DCE’s and MPs to learn from them.
SPEECH BY MINISTER OF EDUCATION HON. HARUNA IDDRISU
This was followed by the cutting of the ribbon and the official unveiling of the plaque by the Chief guest. With this symbolic act, the school was formally dedicated and commissioned, marking the official commencement of its use.
The ceremony concluded with the expressions of gratitude to all stakeholders, especially the philanthropists, for their invaluable support. The commissioning of the Gloria Boatema Dadey, Nifa Basic School was hailed as a testament to the power of partnership in advancing quality and inclusive education in the Okere District. A closing prayer and goodwill messages brought the event to an end.
WRITTEN BY: INFORMATION NEWS DESK