After being voted the Most Reliable Person in Africa in a competition run by SDLG, Kofi Amigosten Amoah from Ghana has continued his journey towards building a better society by opening a ‘Centre of Knowledge’ in his hometown of Adjei Kojo, on the outskirts of the capital Accra.
Committed to helping others
The centre was funded and constructed by SDLG and its Ghanaian dealer, SMT. SDLG Marketing Communications Manager for Sales Region EMEA Magnus Rieger says: “In recognition of Kofi’s Most Reliable Person in Africa award, SMT and SDLG were delighted to be able to support a philanthropic project of his choosing. He suggested a library and knowledge-sharing area, and from that the idea of the Centre of Knowledge was born. It has been a pleasure to support Kofi and turn his hope into a reality.”
Community blueprint
In the months following his award, a suitable 2500sqm site was identified, purchased, cleared and levelled in preparation for construction of the centre. “The SDLG loader was so impressive and fast,” says Amoah. “It prepared the whole site in no time and was quite a talking point within the community, as it was our first experience of such a machine.”
Even while the site was being prepared, Amoah was keen to raise awareness of the centre and get people involved. “There’s a real need for centres like this throughout Ghana and I am delighted, honoured and humbled that SDLG and SMT have supported me in realising this first example,” he says. “I hope it can be the blueprint for similar centres in other communities in Ghana.”
Once the ground was prepared, SMT Ghana brought in a specially converted high cube 40-foot long ISO container with entrance doors, electrical connections, book shelves and desks already installed. A secondary roof was then constructed to keep the facility cool.
A worthy cause
The new centre is a first for the Adjei Kojo community, a rapidly growing settlement that now totals some 20,000 people, 8,000 of which are children.
“This is my community,” said Amoah. “I am known all over Ghana for the work I do promoting road safety awareness, social development and supporting children who face disability or suffer extreme poverty. But my On the Road with Amigos charity has perhaps made me miss what’s right under my nose in my local community! It has its own needs and it struck me that I could do something meaningful and lasting for the wonderful people in this community using the support and funding from SDLG and SMT Ghana.”
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony attended by over 100 people, including local school children, the Chief of the Adjei Kojo Traditional Council and a delegation from SDLG’s Sales Region EMEA, Amoah said: “This Centre of Knowledge is remarkable and will help with the development of our children. When it comes to educating the next generation, it starts here!”
