The Kassena Nankana West District Assembly in the Upper East Region has commissioned two educational projects, which have been officially handed over to the Ghana Education Service for use.
The projects include a new Junior High School block at Nakolo in the Kasili area and a primary school block at Nyongo. Both facilities are equipped with a 12-seater toilet, fitted with a mechanized water supply system to serve both boys and girls.
The development comes as a major relief to residents of the two communities, who have long struggled with inadequate infrastructure for effective teaching and learning.Despite this progress, educational infrastructure across the district remains a concern, as many schools require rehabilitation or the construction of new facilities.
Speaking at the commissioning, the District Chief Executive, Stephen Aeke Akurugo, commended President John Dramani Mahama for what he described as a bold decision to uncap the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and increase allocations to assemblies through the District Assemblies Common Fund.
He noted that this move would strengthen the Assembly’s capacity to address pressing infrastructure challenges affecting education.
Engaging education stakeholders and community leaders after the handover ceremony at Nakolo, Mr. Akurugo assured residents of plans to improve road access in the area and ongoing efforts to procure furniture for schools, including the newly completed JHS block.
He further urged the Ghana Education Service and community members to ensure proper maintenance and protection of the facilities to guarantee their longevity.
Describing education as the bedrock of development, the DCE stressed that the Assembly is committed to providing effective leadership to improve conditions within the sector.
“Education is the bedrock of development and know that Nakolo has given people who are contributing meaningfully. It is in the same vein that that these children will grow up through this project to become the teachers, nurses, lawyers, doctors, engineers and all that we can think of and contribute meaningfully. I want to say that you take good care of this facility and to add that we will soon procure furniture under the common fund for schools and as for the staffing, we know there is ongoing recruitment and it is my hope that we will get some teachers to come to this school.” He noted.
Representing the District Director of Education, Magdalene Wompakeah described the new facilities as a clear demonstration of efforts to enhance education and equip children with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.
“We are not just here to open a new building. It is evidence of our collective commitment to the future of our children. This project reflects our steadfast dedication to improving educational standards in this community. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who played a role in bringing this facility to life and so, let’s ensure it is properly maintained.” She said.
She appealed for additional support in the areas of the provision of furniture, staffing, and proper demarcation of school lands to prevent encroachment. “The school still has a few challenges including inadequate learners furniture and staff and I will appeal for demarcation of the school land.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Nyongo, Naba Anthony Akurugo II, while expressing gratitude for the new primary school block, also appealed for the completion of a CHPS compound in the community and the renovation of an old classroom block.
