Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, Richard Anthounma Jakpa, has intensified development efforts in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District with the launch of major education and community support initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and expanding access to quality education.
The interventions include the commencement of construction works on the Upper West Region’s first Special Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Senior High School, the donation of a grinding mill to the Daung community, and the distribution of 600 pieces of school furniture to selected basic schools across the district.
Speaking at a sod-cutting ceremony at Issa, Mr Jakpa described the STEM school project as a transformational investment that would equip young people with skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven economy.
He disclosed that he actively engaged the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and other stakeholders to secure approval for the project, which received the backing of President John Dramani Mahama.
According to him, the facility will help bridge educational gaps in the Upper West Region while producing future scientists, engineers and innovators capable of contributing to Ghana’s development.
Mr Jakpa expressed appreciation to traditional leaders, residents and landowners who supported the project by making land available for the construction of the school.
He also commended the contractor, TMJ Ghana Limited, for the progress made on the site and urged the company to maintain high standards and complete the project on schedule.
Beyond education infrastructure, Mr Jakpa extended support to local communities through the donation of a grinding mill to residents of Daung, particularly to assist women engaged in grain processing and other agricultural activities.
Community members welcomed the intervention, describing it as a practical initiative that would reduce labour burdens and improve economic activities in the area.
In a further boost to education, Mr Jakpa handed over 600 furniture units to eight basic schools in the district to address classroom furniture shortages that have affected teaching and learning.
The beneficiary institutions included kindergartens, primary schools and junior high schools in Issa and Samanbo, with allocations made according to enrolment levels and classroom needs.
Education authorities praised the donation, noting that it would significantly improve the learning environment for pupils and teachers.
Mr Jakpa reaffirmed his commitment to championing additional development projects in the district and called on residents, traditional authorities and community leaders to support ongoing initiatives to ensure their successful implementation.
The combined interventions have been widely welcomed by residents as a significant contribution to education, community empowerment and socio-economic development in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District.
