For years, the children of CK Kope in Tapa Abotoase, Biakoye District of the Oti Region, have braved the treacherous waters of the Volta Lake—often without life jackets—just to pursue an education.
The journey, marked by tragedy and fear, has claimed lives, leaving families shattered and dreams unfulfilled.
But today, a new chapter begins. Star Oil, Ghana’s leading Oil Marketing Company (OMC), has turned the tide of danger into a beacon of hope by commissioning a fully equipped primary school in CK Kope.
With modern facilities and a deep commitment to the community’s future, Star Oil has made it possible for children to learn in safety—without crossing the lake.
A Lifesaving Intervention Rooted in Compassion
The vision for the school was born when the Board Chairman of Star Oil, Torgbui Xornametor (Mr. Vincent Kaledzi), visited the area and was deeply moved by the residents’ plea for help. Witnessing firsthand the perilous journey children endured daily, he vowed that Star Oil would change their story.
“Our founding father, Mr. Khaleji, started his first retail business right here in Tapa Abotoase,” said Star Oil CEO, Philip Tieku. “This project is more than just a school. It is a tribute to our roots and a promise to secure a better future for the next generation.”
A Modern School Built with Safety and Excellence in Mind
The newly built school, valued at nearly two million Ghana cedis, is designed to meet modern educational standards. It features:
- Fully furnished classrooms
- Washrooms for staff and students
- A staff common room
- A headmaster’s office
- Additional auxiliary facilities to support teaching and learning
But Star Oil’s intervention goes beyond bricks and mortar. Acknowledging that some children may still need to cross the lake for other reasons, the company has provided 500 life jackets to the community—an immediate solution to a longstanding danger.
“This is more than an investment in education; it is an investment in life itself,” said Mr. Tieku. “We cannot build a future if we do not first protect those who will shape it.”
A Pledge for Long-Term Impact
Star Oil’s commitment does not end with the school’s construction. The company has pledged to be part of the School Management Committee (SMC), collaborating with local authorities, teachers, and parents to ensure that the school remains a center of academic excellence.
“Our goal is not just to open a school but to maintain its standards and support it over time,” added Mr. Tieku. “We are here for the long haul.”
A Community’s Gratitude and a Call for More
The commissioning ceremony was filled with emotion as community members, leaders, and educators expressed their heartfelt gratitude. Biakoye District Education Director, Roslyn Kafui Ofori, praised Star Oil for their generosity and far-reaching impact. She also used the opportunity to urge Star Oil to help the district further by improving access roads to the education office.
Hope for the Future
This school represents more than just access to education—it represents survival, opportunity, and the power of community-driven change.
Parents, once gripped by fear, now look forward to brighter futures for their children. Teachers, empowered with the right tools, are ready to shape young minds. And students, no longer risking their lives for knowledge, are free to dream, explore, and achieve.
As the sun set on the commissioning ceremony, it was clear that this was more than a building—it was a lifeline, a legacy, and a promise kept.
In the words of CEO Philip Tieku:
“Study hard, dream big, and always remember—Star Oil believes in you.”