The Upper West Region is set to host its first-ever special Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Senior High School, following the official sod-cutting ceremony at Issa in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District on Friday, May 29, 2026.

The project, approved by President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), is expected to significantly expand access to science and technology education in the region and strengthen efforts to bridge developmental gaps in education across the country.

The ceremony was led by the Director for Special Operations at the National Security Council Secretariat, Richard Anthounma Jakpa, who described the initiative as a transformative milestone that would reshape educational opportunities for future generations.

He was joined by the Upper West Regional Minister, the Member of Parliament for the area, the District Chief Executive, traditional leaders, GETFund officials, representatives of the contractor TMJ Ghana Limited, consultants, security agencies, and community members.

Mr Jakpa revealed that he personally lobbied GETFund for the establishment of the institution, stressing that the district deserved a modern, specialised educational facility capable of preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological world.

“This project is not just about buildings; it is about investing in the future of our children and creating opportunities for generations yet unborn,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to President Mahama for supporting the initiative, noting that the approval of the project reflected government’s commitment to equitable educational development.

“I wish to profoundly thank His Excellency the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, for listening to our plea and granting my request for the establishment of this Senior High School in my beloved district,” Mr Jakpa stated.

According to him, the Special STEM SHS will be the first of its kind in the Upper West Region, positioning the area within Ghana’s broader agenda of promoting innovation, industrialisation and STEM-based learning.

He emphasised that STEM education remains central to national development, adding that the new school would help produce future scientists, engineers and technology innovators who will contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation.

Mr Jakpa also praised traditional leaders and landowners for releasing land for the project, describing their support as a critical contribution to the district’s development.

“Your sacrifice for the development of education in this district is highly commendable and will be remembered in history,” he noted.

He further commended TMJ Ghana Limited for the pace and quality of work already underway, urging the contractor to maintain high standards and ensure timely completion of the facility.

Beyond the school project, Mr Jakpa also highlighted ongoing community support initiatives.

He presented a grinding mill to the Daung community to support local economic activities, particularly for women involved in agricultural processing.

In a separate intervention, he also distributed 600 pieces of school furniture to selected basic schools across the district to address shortages affecting teaching and learning.

Beneficiary schools included Issa RC KG, Samanbo RC KG, Issa All Saints KG, Issa RC Primary School, Issa All Saints Primary School, Samanbo RC Primary School, Issa RC Junior High School, and Issa All Saints Junior High School.

Allocations were based on enrolment, with Issa RC Primary School receiving the largest share of 140 chairs.

Education authorities in the district welcomed the interventions, describing them as timely and impactful in improving classroom conditions.

Residents and community leaders have also praised the combined initiatives, noting that they represent a significant boost to education infrastructure and local development in the Daffiama-Bussie-Issa District and the wider Upper West Region.