The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, James Wor, and Director of Operations at the National Security Secretariat, Richard Jakpa, recently inspected the construction of a major STEM school in the district. This project is considered the single most important and biggest investment in Daffiama-Bussie-Issa since its creation. The school will feature a three-storey, 18-unit classroom block, a two-storey science laboratory, a two-storey library and ICT hub, and a two-storey administration block.
The project, funded by GETFund, was lobbied for by Mr. Jakpa. He expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, stating that the contractor has made significant progress. Mr. Jakpa hopes that the project will be completed on schedule, with commissioning expected by the end of June next year. He emphasized the importance of science education in Ghana's development, citing the need for more science-oriented graduates to contribute to national development.
The school aims to provide young Junior High School graduates with opportunities to pursue science and technology education. Mr. Jakpa advocates for a nationwide initiative to establish 10 STEM senior high schools in 10 districts every year. He believes that this initiative can be implemented gradually as a long-term national development project, with the goal of having one STEM SHS in every district in Ghana.
The DCE for Daffiama-Bussie-Issa, James Wor, commended the contractor for the quality of work and progress made so far. He responded to claims on social media suggesting that little or no work was taking place at the project site, urging those spreading false information to desist. Mr. Wor described the school as the biggest and most important investment in the district since its creation and appealed to residents to support the project and the contractor.
The contractor, TMJ Ghana Limited, has demonstrated a commitment to corporate social responsibility. The Managing Director, Jonah Johafoka, stated that the company has a personal interest in ensuring that the project meets high standards, given its roots in the Upper West Region. The company plans to renovate the police quarters in Issa, support the local health facility, and engage local artisans in the construction work.
The project has provided opportunities for local artisans to contribute to the project while receiving training and payment for their work. Mr. Wor praised the contractor for utilizing local workers and urged residents to have confidence in their abilities. The school is expected to have a positive impact on education in the district, providing students with access to quality science and technology education.
Once completed, the STEM school will address the need for more science-oriented graduates in Ghana. The project is a significant investment in the district's education infrastructure, and stakeholders are optimistic about its potential to contribute to national development.
Key points
- The school will feature a three-storey, 18-unit classroom block, a two-storey science laboratory, a two-storey library and ICT hub, and a two-storey administration block.
