The Member of Parliament for Tamale Central, Prof. Alidu Mahama Seidu, has emphasized that enhancing educational standards in northern Ghana is crucial to closing the economic disparity with the southern regions. This call to action comes as he supports final-year junior high school students preparing for the 2026 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Addressing Educational Disparities
Prof. Alidu highlighted that the historical late introduction of formal education in the north has significantly contributed to persistent poverty levels. He believes that equipping students with the necessary tools and knowledge allows them to compete equally with their counterparts in the south.
Speaking at an extra class session he organized for students in his constituency, Prof. Alidu stated that these preparatory classes are vital for student success. “The extra classes are one of the best ways to prepare our students to write well and come out with flying colours and continue with their education,” he remarked.
This initiative builds upon the foundation laid by the late MP for the area, Murtala Mohammed, and is already showing positive results in improved student performance.
Improving School Infrastructure
Beyond academic support, Prof. Alidu announced plans to address pressing infrastructure needs in local schools. His office has identified a critical shortage of furniture, impacting the learning environment for many pupils.
“We have visited a lot of them, and most of the concerns have been furniture, to make sure pupils have an adequate place to sit and learn,” he explained. This initiative aims to provide a more conducive learning atmosphere.
Furthermore, concerns regarding high electricity bills have prompted plans to install solar lights in schools. This move is expected to reduce operational costs and ensure consistent lighting for evening studies.
Holistic Development Initiatives
Prof. Alidu’s commitment extends beyond education to other vital sectors. His office has been actively resourcing health facilities within the Tamale Central constituency with essential equipment.
“We have identified a lot of health facilities and have been able to resource them with adequate equipment to run,” he confirmed. Plans are also underway to extend solar power solutions to the health sector, ensuring reliable power supply.
In addition to equipment, his team has facilitated the registration of numerous constituents onto the National Health Insurance Scheme, improving access to healthcare services.
Infrastructure and Community Development
Significant progress is also being made on infrastructure development within the constituency. Many inner roads are currently under construction, improving connectivity and accessibility.
Water security is being enhanced through the completion of boreholes in Salamba, with drilling operations ongoing in Gumbihini and scheduled to commence in Aboabo and Changli. These projects honor the legacy of the late MP, Murtala Mohammed.
Call Against Examination Malpractice
As students gear up for the BECE, Prof. Alidu urged them to uphold academic integrity and avoid any form of examination malpractice. This message was echoed by the Tamale Metro Director of Education, Nelson Konlan.
Mr. Konlan noted the continuity of educational interventions, stating there is “no variation” between Prof. Alidu’s efforts and those of his predecessor. He praised teachers for their dedication in preparing students.
“I will urge you to as much as possible stay away from examination malpractice. It’s a worrying situation that’s going on and all of us must make an effort to put an end to it,” Konlan advised. He stressed that ensuring clean examinations is essential for developing a generation that the nation can be proud of.
Regional Examination Statistics
This year’s BECE in the Northern Region sees a significant number of candidates. Over 37,000 pupils are registered to sit for the exam across 132 centers, originating from 808 schools. Public schools constitute the majority with 33,329 candidates, while private institutions have 3,782 candidates.
Looking Ahead
The ongoing efforts in education, health, and infrastructure in Tamale Central signal a broader strategy to uplift the northern regions. The success of these initiatives, particularly the focus on academic performance and equitable competition, will be critical in determining the pace at which the north can bridge its development gap with the south. Continued investment in teacher training, curriculum enhancement, and sustained community engagement will be key watchpoints in the coming years.
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