DBI District breaks ground on Upper West's first STEM SHS as Jakpa pledges continued support

Daffiama-Bussie-Issa (DBI) District took a historic step on Friday, May 29, with the sod-cutting for the Upper West Region's first Special STEM Senior High School. Richard Anthounma Jakpa, Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, who spearheaded the initiative, told the gathering that "Today marks a very important milestone in the history of our district and the Upper West Region as a whole." He added, "This project is not just about buildings; it is about investing in the future of our children and creating opportunities for generations yet unborn."

Mr. Jakpa said he personally lobbied the GETFund Secretariat for the school. He expressed appreciation to the GET Fund Administrator and to President John Dramani Mahama for granting the request. Mr. Jakpa also urged stakeholders to invest in agricultural infrastructure such as irrigation dams to support dry-season farming and reduce poverty and migration. DBI District Chief Executive James Wor described the project as unprecedented for the district. In a parallel intervention, Mr. Jakpa, in partnership with Edward Benedict Mortey of Geekrows Enterprise, donated 600 dual desks to basic schools in the district. DBI District Director of Education Madam Pognaa Saadia Gbolo said 90% of schools lacked adequate furniture.

Project Architect Micah Villa of ANQ Consortium Limited said the campus will feature 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. TMJ Ghana's Director of Contracts, Jonah Forkah, said four critical structures are already above foundation level, and the firm is pushing to complete the