By Jones Anlimah
Renowned American rapper and entrepreneur Ja Rule has underscored the need for equitable education and improved sanitation in Ghana, highlighting the challenges faced by students in underserved communities during his visit to the Adaklu District of the Volta Region.
Ja Rule, accompanied by his wife and Pencils of Promise Country Director, Freeman Gobah, toured schools in the Adaklu District of the region to witness the impact of the organization’s education, teacher training, and WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) initiatives.
The visiting entourage first stopped at Adaklu Sikama before proceeding to Adaklu Seva, where Ja Rule interacted with teachers and students.
Mr. Freeman Gobah highlighted the organization’s long-standing commitment to education infrastructure, sanitation, and teacher training in Ghana. “We’ve been in Ghana for the past 30 years. Our main focus is on education—classroom infrastructure, water and sanitation, and teacher training. We have completed 206 classroom blocks and supported over 2,000 teachers. Our interventions are impacting about 60,000 children in Ghana,” he stated.
Ja Rule, deeply moved by the experience, reflected on the historical struggles of Black people in accessing education and the significance of the work being done. “It made me think about history and the history of education and Black people. There was a time when it was illegal for Black people to read, write, and get an education. And so that really struck me and made me feel a sense of purpose in a way I haven’t felt in a long time,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of “paying it forward” in education, urging students to learn English to expand their global opportunities while encouraging cross-cultural educational exchange. “Please teach the kids English so they can come over to our country and thrive. So they can come back to their country and give back. This is what life is about,” he noted.
Beyond education, Ja Rule praised Pencils of Promise’s WASH programs, particularly the initiative involving young men in making sanitary products and promoting hygiene. “I love all the things that you’re doing with this program—the cleaning, learning how to be healthy, and the sanitary equipment—it’s amazing. And I just want to say I’m honored to be here.”
The visit by the rapper spotlights Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4 (Quality Education) and 6 (Clean Water & Sanitation), reinforcing the need for continued investment in equitable education, sanitation facilities, and digital literacy to empower the next generation.
Ja Rule’s presence in Ghana has not only drawn international attention to these issues but has also renewed calls for stakeholders, philanthropists, and government agencies to strengthen education and sanitation interventions in underserved communities.
