Why I refused to give school headmistress chalk – Mrs Amissah-Arthur

The Second Lady, Mrs Matilda Amissah-Arthur, has opened up on what led her to criticise the headmistress of Kukurantumi Presby Primary School, after she requested some educational supplies, including chalk, from the government.

Speaking Saturday at an event to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Jack and Jill School in Accra, Mrs Amissah-Arthur said she had gone to Kukurantumi Presby to donate 500 books and five computers, after she received a request to do so.

According to the wife of the Vice-President, the headmistress' request for chalk took her by surprise, prompting her to call for community participation in how the school was managed.

Taking note of the media attention her remark has garnered, the Second Lady said she was sorry if people were offended by it.

Mrs Amissah-Arthur said:  On Wednesday, I went to Kukurantumi to make a presentation of five computers and 500 books to the Presby Basic School upon a request I received.  A comment I made has been in the media since then.

“I have, for some years now, been supporting deprived schools in my own small way by making donations to them.

“I was completely taken aback when the headmistress asked for chalk. My response was intended to encourage community participation in the school. If what I said has offended people I use this opportunity to say ‘I’m sorry’.”

Watch video below by courtesy of Komla Klutse:

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