Minister of Works, Housing and Water Resources and Member of Parliament for Banda, Ahmed Ibrahim, has emphasized the importance of the government's investment in educational infrastructure for the development of the Banda district. He believes that this investment will provide young people with the necessary scientific, technical, and vocational skills to take advantage of emerging opportunities. The expansion and modernization of facilities at Bandaman Senior High Technical School are part of this effort.
The Banda district has been impacted by the construction of the Bui Hydro Dam project, which has affected communities whose livelihoods are predominantly dependent on farming. About 44,000 acres of land in the district have been acquired for the project. As a result, Minister Ibrahim stresses that it is essential for residents to acquire technical and scientific skills to benefit from the opportunities created by the project. He noted that although the Bui Power Authority employs about 644 workers, only a small number are from the district.
Minister Ibrahim's focus is on prioritizing secondary and technical education in the district, with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The upgraded school will produce professionals such as electrical and mechanical engineers, doctors, and accountants capable of securing employment in major institutions and projects within the district and beyond. He expressed confidence that the infrastructure investment could transform the school into one of the leading second-cycle institutions in the region.
Bandaman Senior High Technical School, established in 2010, currently has a student population of 687. However, inadequate infrastructure, including an abandoned E-Block, has constrained teaching and learning. The school's headmaster, Ebenezer Kofi Latah, mentioned that the pressure on existing facilities has affected the school's ability to provide a learner-centered environment. The dining hall and girls' dormitory are also operating at full capacity.
The government, through GETFund's New Targeted Emergency Projects, is undertaking nine major projects at the school. These projects include a 2,000-capacity dining hall and kitchen, two two-storey dormitory blocks for boys and girls, and a three-storey 18-unit classroom block. Zonal Consultant of AESL for the Bono, Ahafo, and Bono East regions, Simon Mawuli Sabakpo, said the projects are at various stages of completion, with some expected to be completed and handed over within a month.
The headmaster of the school, Ebenezer Kofi Latah, welcomed the projects, stating that they will significantly improve teaching and learning while allowing the school to admit more students. He expressed his gratitude for the infrastructure development, which he believes will be a relief to the school. The Acting President of the Banda Traditional Council, Nana Peh Aboatea II, also appealed to natives of Banda to support efforts to improve educational infrastructure in the district.
Minister Ibrahim's initiative aims to address the skills gap in the district and ensure that residents can benefit from the Bui Hydro Dam project. The projects at Bandaman Senior High Technical School are expected to be completed on time, enabling the school to admit more students and improve the overall quality of education in the district.
Key points
- Investment in educational infrastructure is crucial for sustainable development in the Banda district.
- The government is undertaking nine major projects at Bandaman Senior High Technical School to improve teaching and learning.
- The upgraded school will produce professionals capable of securing employment in major institutions and projects within the district and beyond.
