The Daffiama-Bussie-Issah (DBI) District in the Upper West Region celebrated a dual educational milestone on Friday, May 29, with the sod-cutting ceremony for its first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Senior High School and the presentation of 600 dual desks to local basic schools. Richard Anthounma Jakpa, Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, was instrumental in initiating the STEM institution, which aims to significantly improve access to quality science and technology education for the region’s youth.
A New Era for STEM Education
The establishment of the STEM Senior High School marks the first of its kind in the Upper West Region. District Chief Executive for DBI, James Wor, highlighted the project’s unprecedented financial scale, describing it as the single largest government investment in the district’s history. Construction commenced immediately after the project was awarded, with contractors already on site.
Traditional leaders, including Kulbile Naa, Naa Bismark Bietuari, expressed profound gratitude, emphasizing the school’s potential to foster innovation, nurture scientific talent, and equip youth with practical skills for national development.
State-of-the-Art Facilities Under Construction
The STEM Senior High School is designed as a comprehensive, state-of-the-art educational hub. Project architect Micah Villa of ANQ Consortium Limited detailed the campus plans, which include an 18-unit classroom block, a two-storey science laboratory, a library and ICT hub, and an administration block. The facility will also feature dormitory blocks, a dining hall, and five semi-detached teachers’ quarters.
The project, officially slated for 18 months, is being aggressively expedited by contractor TMJ Ghana Limited. Director of Contracts Jonah Forkah stated their commitment to completing the school within a year, aiming to cut the timeline by five to six months. Significant progress has already been made, with critical structures like the classroom block and ICT library hub raised above foundation levels.
TMJ Ghana Limited assured the community of its dedication to using premium materials and adhering to the highest safety standards. The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, urged residents to embrace ownership of the project and encouraged the contractor to prioritize local labor, ensuring the community benefits economically during construction.
Addressing Basic Education Infrastructure Needs
In parallel to the STEM school initiative, Richard Jakpa partnered with Edward Benedict Mortey, Director of Geekrows Enterprise, to donate 600 dual desks to basic schools across the district. This donation directly addresses a critical furniture deficit, with District Director of Education Pognaa Saadia Gbolo reporting that 90% of schools lack adequate furniture, severely impacting learning.
The lack of proper seating has forced students into demoralizing positions, such as writing on their bellies on the floor. The 600 dual desks will be distributed among several schools, including Issah RC Primary, Issah RC JHS, Issah All Saints JHS, Issah All Saints Primary, Issah RC KG, Issah All Saints KG, Samambo RC Primary, and Samambo RC KG.
Mr. Jakpa cautioned students to take good care of the new furniture, ensuring its longevity for future generations. The Directorate of Education has pledged to oversee the maintenance of the desks to guarantee their durability.
A Broader Vision for Regional Development
Beyond educational infrastructure, Mr. Jakpa articulated a broader vision for the region, emphasizing the critical need for agricultural development. He advocated for the construction of irrigation dams to support dry-season farming, which he believes will reduce poverty and curb migration.
Mr. Jakpa challenged individuals in positions of influence to actively pursue development opportunities for their home regions, irrespective of their formal titles. He stressed that lobbying for projects is possible through various capacities and institutional influence, urging a collective pooling of resources for regional advancement.
He criticized the tendency for individuals to attain high-level appointments and remain in the capital without contributing to their hinterland communities. This generation, he asserted, must prioritize strategic investments that will benefit future generations and propel communities forward.
Looking Ahead
The successful launch of the STEM high school project and the significant furniture donation signal a renewed focus on comprehensive development in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issah District. Attention will now turn to the timely completion of the STEM facility and the effective utilization of the new desks. Furthermore, the call for broader regional development, particularly in agriculture, suggests a potential for future initiatives aimed at enhancing economic opportunities and improving livelihoods in the Upper West Region.
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