The Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) District in the Upper West Region marked a significant educational milestone on Friday, May 29, with the groundbreaking ceremony for the region’s inaugural Special STEM Senior High School. Spearheaded by Richard Anthounma Jakpa, Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, the project aims to revolutionize access to science and technology education for local youth. The event also saw the donation of 600 dual desks to address critical furniture shortages in the district’s basic schools.
Investing in the Future of Education
Richard Anthounma Jakpa emphasized that the new STEM school represents a profound investment in the future, going beyond mere construction. “This project is not just about buildings; it is about investing in the future of our children and creating opportunities for generations yet unborn,” Jakpa stated during the ceremony.
Jakpa, a native of the district, revealed that he personally advocated for the school with the GETFund Secretariat. He believes the district warrants such a transformative educational institution, expressing gratitude to the GET Fund Administrator and President John Dramani Mahama for their support.
The establishment of this Special STEM School is particularly noteworthy as it is the first of its kind in the Upper West Region. Jakpa highlighted this achievement as a testament to the government’s commitment to equitable educational development nationwide.
Project Scope and Timeline
The DBI District Chief Executive, James Wor, described the project as unprecedented, calling it the largest single government investment in the district’s history. The contractor, TMJ Ghana Limited, commenced work immediately after the contract was awarded.
According to Project Architect Micah Villa of ANQ Consortium Limited, the campus design includes a three-storey, 18-unit classroom block. It will also feature a two-storey building housing science laboratories, a library, and an ICT hub. Additionally, the facility will comprise an administration block, dormitory blocks, a dining hall with a kitchen, and five semi-detached two-bedroom teachers’ quarters to accommodate ten staff members.
Jonah Forkah, Director of Contracts at TMJ Ghana, reported that four key structures are already beyond the foundation stage. The firm is reportedly working to expedite the completion, aiming for 12 months instead of the initially scheduled 18 months.
Addressing Immediate Needs: Furniture Donation
In a parallel initiative, Jakpa, in collaboration with Edward Benedict Mortey of Geekrows Enterprise, provided 600 dual desks to basic schools across the district. This donation directly tackles severe furniture shortages that have hampered learning.
Madam Pognaa Saadia Gbolo, the DBI District Director of Education, stated that approximately 90% of schools in the district lacked adequate furniture. “It is demoralising for students to lie on their bellies to write. This timely intervention will change that,” she remarked, noting the specific schools that will benefit from the desks.
Community and Stakeholder Support
The groundbreaking ceremony saw broad support from various stakeholders. Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing urged residents to safeguard the new projects and encouraged the contractor to prioritize local labor.
Traditional leaders, represented by Kulbile Naa, Naa Bismark Bietuari, Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Issa, lauded the initiative for its potential to nurture science talent and empower the youth. Jakpa also called for continued cooperation with the contractor and urged stakeholders to invest in agricultural infrastructure like irrigation dams to support dry-season farming, reduce poverty, and curb migration.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of the Upper West Region’s first STEM Senior High School signifies a critical step towards enhancing specialized education in a region historically underserved in this regard. The successful and timely completion of this facility could serve as a model for future educational infrastructure development, potentially spurring further investment in science and technology education across Ghana. Observers will be watching to see how the school’s curriculum is developed and how it integrates with local needs and the broader national educational goals, as well as the impact of the furniture donation on immediate learning conditions.
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