Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum (L), taking President Akufo-Addo (3rd R), through the previous state of St. Barnabas School. Pix by Gifty Ama Lawson
President Nana Akufo-Addo yesterday commissioned 80 educational projects that have been completed across the country to improve access to quality education.
The projects, which include newly constructed Model STEM Senior High Schools (SHSs), classroom blocks for existing schools, kindergartens, and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) facilities, are part of the government’s comprehensive plan to revamp the country’s education sector.
During the commissioning ceremony at St. Barnabas Anglican Basic School at Osu in Accra, President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to providing inclusive and equitable education for all Ghanaians.
He stated that the 80 educational projects spread across the country’s 16 regions aim to improve access to quality education and provide a conducive learning environment for students.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the commissioning ceremony was taking place simultaneously in districts and regions nationwide.
“Today, we reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to quality education in a safe and well-equipped environment. These projects demonstrate our determination to bridge the educational infrastructure gap across the country,” he said.
Projects
The President mentioned some of the projects in the regions, including the Bosomtwe Model STEM JHS in the Ashanti Region, which has a four-storey and 11-unit classroom block, and the Wesley Girls Demonstration School in Kumasi Metro, which now boasts a six-unit classroom block.
He said the Northern Region also had seen significant developments, such as an 18-unit classroom block for the Sagnarigu Tamale Business School, designed to accommodate the area’s growing student population.
In the Western Region, the Shama D/A Primary received a six-unit classroom block equipped with modern ancillary facilities.
The Volta Region was not left behind, with projects like the six-unit classroom block at Kodzobi Ando Basic School in Adaklu, which includes a six-seater toilet block.
Additionally, several E-blocks, including those in Nakpayili (Nanumba South District) and Ziope (Agotime-Ziope District), were commissioned to enhance access to SHS education in rural areas.
In the area of technical education, the Anyinam TVET-Applied Technical and Fashion School and the Akomadan TVET-Applied Technical School were part of the projects completed.
They are aimed to equip students with practical skills to meet the demands of Ghana’s growing economy.
Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, addressing the audience at a separate event in Accra, lauded the initiative as a significant step forward for the country’s education sector.
“This is not just about infrastructure; it is about transforming education. These projects will not only provide safe and conducive learning environments but will also contribute to the delivery of 21st-century education, particularly in STEM,” Dr. Adutwum stated.
He further emphasised the government’s resolve to bridge the gap in education infrastructure, particularly in underserved communities.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child, from the most rural areas to urban centres, has access to quality education that prepares them for a competitive global economy,” the minister added.
The event was attended by local communities, teachers, students, and parents, who hailed it as a significant milestone for education in the country.
At one of the ceremonies in the Central Region, a teacher expressed gratitude, saying, “This new classroom block will ease overcrowding and provide a better learning environment for our students.”
The Education Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring equity in education.
“These projects are not just structures; they represent hope, opportunities, and the future of our children,” he said.
A Daily Guide Report