Rapper Ja Rule has significantly improved educational opportunities in Ghana’s Eastern Region by breaking ground on a new school construction project.
On Wednesday, April 10, the Pain Is Love artist teamed up with the non-profit organization Pencils of Promise (PoP) to start the of building a six-classroom block at the Nuaso Anglican Basic School.
The project aims to combat the inadequate learning conditions faced by students in the region due to makeshift classrooms, providing a conducive environment for kindergarten through sixth-grade students in the Nuaso community.
During the groundbreaking ceremony, Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, expressed his commitment to education and his gratitude towards Ghana for welcoming him.
“I know that this is going to be an opportunity that will last for many, many years to come,” he told the crowd, according to reports.
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“As I look around, I see a lot of beautiful students here from Nuaso Anglican Primary. And for me, education is the pillar of any community. And so, with that being said, Ghana, I appreciate you all. I thank you for accepting me as your brother.”
Ja Rule and his wife, Aisha Atkins, are working closely with PoP, local government officials, and the community to ensure the successful construction of the new school classrooms.
PoP, a for-purpose education organization dedicated to supporting access to quality education for children worldwide, expressed its pride in partnering with the rapper on this impactful project.
“Many children in rural parts of the world experience significant barriers to their basic human right to primary school education. PoP is so proud to partner with Ja Rule and Aisha Atkins in our shared commitment to help ensure every child has access to the safe, healthy and engaging school experience they deserve,” said PoP CEO Kailee Scales.
Over 500 community members and 50 dignitaries attended the groundbreaking ceremony, including Lower Manya Krobo MP The Honorable Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, MCE Lower Manya Honorable Simon Kweku Tetteh, and Mark Okraku-Mantey, Deputy Minister of Tourism.
Ja Rule joins a growing list of celebrities investing in Ghana’s development, following in the footsteps of Michael Blackson, who launched the “Michael Blackson Academy,” and actor Idris Elba, who announced plans to build a film studio in the country.
Ja Rule opens up on 50 Cent beef
Meanwhile, Ja Rule has opened up in an interview with Piers Morgan about his historic rivalry with fellow rapper 50 Cent.
Speaking in the interview, Ja Rule asserted that the long-standing feud between the two is decidedly one-sided.
The host asked who would emerge victorious should a physical altercation occur between him and 50 Cent. In an unequivocal response, he claimed that such an encounter had already transpired.
