A major step forward in education has been taken in Ghana's Daffiama-Bussie-Issah (DBI) District. The district celebrated the start of its first Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Senior High School. This was announced on Friday, May 29. At the same time, 600 dual desks were given to local primary and junior high schools. The community of Issah gathered to show their support for these new developments. Richard Anthounma Jakpa, Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, was key in making the STEM school a reality. He highlighted the school as a pioneering effort for the Upper West Region. It aims to improve access to important science and technology learning.
The District Chief Executive for DBI, James Wor, called the STEM school the biggest single investment ever made in the district. Work on the site started quickly after the project was awarded. Traditional leaders shared their strong support for the initiative. They believe the school will foster innovation and nurture young talent. The STEM Senior High School is designed to be a modern learning centre. It will feature an 18-unit classroom block. A science laboratory and an ICT hub are also planned. The campus will include dormitories and staff housing. The construction is expected to take 18 months. However, the contractor, TMJ Ghana Limited, aims to finish the project much sooner. They hope to complete it in one year. They are already working fast on key buildings like the classroom block. Safety and quality materials are a priority for the construction firm.
The Upper West Regional Minister, Charles Lwanga Puozuing, encouraged residents to support the project. He also asked the contractor to hire local workers. This would help the community gain economically. In a separate but related effort, 600 dual desks were donated to basic schools. This donation was made by Mr. Jakpa and Edward Benedict Mortey, Director of Geekrows Enterprise. The District Director of Education, Pognaa Saadia Gbolo, explained the urgent need for furniture. She stated that 90% of schools in the district lack enough desks. This problem severely hurts student learning. Many students have to lie on the floor to write. The donation will help many pupils directly. The desks are distributed among several schools in Issah and Samambo. Mr. Jakpa advised students to look after the furniture well. This will ensure it lasts for years to come. Madam Gbolo promised that her office will monitor the furniture's upkeep.
Beyond education, Mr. Jakpa spoke about other development needs. He focused on improving agriculture. He suggested building irrigation dams for farming during the dry season. This would help reduce poverty and stop people from moving away from the area to find work. He urged all influential people to seek development opportunities for their home regions. He stressed that lobbying for projects does not require holding elected office. This broader vision shows a commitment to comprehensive development for the district and the region.