A groundbreaking ceremony was held in the Upper West Region on May 29, marking the start of construction for the region's first Special STEM Senior High School. Richard Anthounma Jakpa, Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, personally led the initiative and lobbied for the school's funding. He led the initiative with dedication, securing the funding needed to make this project a reality. The school represents a significant investment in the future of the region's youth, with a focus on nurturing science talent and empowering young people.
"The school's campus will feature a range of facilities, including a three-storey 18-unit classroom block, a two-storey science laboratory, library, and ICT hub, an administration block, dormitory blocks, a dining hall with a kitchen, and five semi-detached two-bedroom teachers' quarters for 10 staff. Project Architect Micah Villa of ANQ Consortium Limited designed the campus, with contractor TMJ Ghana Limited working to complete the project within 12 months instead of the scheduled 18 months. Four critical structures have already been constructed above foundation level, demonstrating the firm's commitment to the project's timeline.
"Richard Jakpa has been a driving force behind the initiative, which has received support from the GETFund Secretariat and President John Dramani Mahama. As a native of the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa district, Jakpa believes that the school will benefit the local community and help to address severe furniture shortages in the area. DBI District Chief Executive James Wor described the project as unprecedented for the district, with a single largest investment ever made in the Daffiama Bussie Issah district.
"The ceremony also featured the presentation of 600 dual desks to basic schools across the district, donated by Richard Jakpa in partnership with Edward Benedict Mortey of Geekrows Enterprise. DBI District Director of Education Madam Pognaa Saadia Gbolo noted that 90% of schools lacked adequate furniture, and the timely intervention will change that. With 600 new desks, these schools will have the necessary resources to provide a suitable learning environment for their students.
"The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by Upper West Regional Minister Charles Lwanga Puozuing, who urged residents to protect the projects and called on the contractor to prioritize local labour. Traditional leaders, represented by Kulbile Naa, Naa Bismark Bietuari, Secretary to the Paramount Chief of Issa, praised the initiative as a bold step to nurture science talent and empower youth. A cultural performance by the Danzine Kulugri Group from Fian marked the event.
"Richard Jakpa expressed his appreciation for the support received and called for continued cooperation with the contractor. He emphasized the need for local labour in the project, stating that this would be a crucial aspect of successful implementation. Jakpa also highlighted the importance of investing in agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation dams to support dry-season farming and reduce poverty and migration. As the project progresses, it will be interesting to see how it benefits the local community and contributes to the region's development.
"Today marks a very important milestone in the history of our district and the Upper West Region as a whole. We are witnessing the start of something big here, a project that will leave a lasting impact on our region for years to come."
"The Upper West Region's first STEM SHS is set to become a beacon of hope for the local youth, providing them with access to quality education and resources. With the support of officials like Richard Jakpa, the project is well on its way to achieving its goals.