President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo yesterday led the commissioning of 80 completed educational projects across all 16 regions of Ghana.
The commissioning was a historic milestone aimed at improving access to quality education and creating a conducive learning environment for students nationwide.
The landmark event was symbolically marked by the inauguration of a rehabilitated six-unit classroom block at the St. Barnabas Anglican Basic School in Osu, Accra.
The nationwide initiative includes seven Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) schools, 20 kindergarten blocks, 11 junior high school (JHS) blocks, four six-unit classroom blocks, nine twelve-unit classroom blocks, two eighteen-unit classroom blocks, two 24-unit e-blocks, four Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) schools, one dining hall, one dormitory, and two district education offices.
These projects aim to address overcrowding in schools, create conducive environments for learning, and improve educational outcomes for students across the nation.
Nationwide inauguration events
While President Akufo-Addo led the flagship ceremony in Accra, other high-ranking officials, including regional and district leaders, simultaneously commissioned similar projects in their jurisdictions.
Many of these events were broadcast live on national television, highlighting the government’s efforts to bridge the educational infrastructure gap.
The projects, constructed under the Akufo-Addo administration, are expected to benefit thousands of students, significantly enhancing Ghana’s education system.
President Akufo-Addo’s address
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony in Osu, President Akufo-Addo emphasized the transformative power of education in driving national development.
“Today, we reaffirm our dedication to ensuring that every Ghanaian child has access to quality education in a safe and well-equipped environment,” he said.
He urged beneficiaries to make optimal use of the facilities, adding, “These classrooms are not just buildings, but spaces of possibilities where dreams are nurtured, and talents discovered.”
He also stressed the importance of ensuring that education is accessible to all, describing it as a cornerstone of his administration’s agenda.
The President recounted the deteriorating state of the St. Barnabas Anglican Basic School, noting that it represented the broader challenges faced by many schools across the country. He explained that these conditions motivated his government’s bold decision to undertake mass construction of new facilities.
“This investment is about securing the future of our children and equipping them with the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly competitive world,” he added.
Commitment to infrastructure and Free SHS
The Akufo-Addo administration has completed more than 2,000 educational facilities nationwide, including 217 new science laboratories and 32 e-block projects. Over 2,690 vehicles have also been distributed to support educational activities.
Additionally, more than five million students have benefitted from the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme, an initiative that has cost the government approximately GHS12 billion.
The President expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the commissioned projects, stating that they would play a critical role in equipping Ghanaian students with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a competitive global environment.
“This initiative reaffirms our commitment to education as the foundation for national progress,” he concluded.
Remarks by the Education Minister
Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, speaking at a media coordination center set up for the inauguration, highlighted the importance of the new projects in enhancing skills acquisition and knowledge development.
“These 80 projects are among the hundreds constructed nationwide since 2017 by the Akufo-Addo administration,” he noted.
To ensure sustainability, the Ministry of Education has introduced Maintenance Managers to oversee the upkeep of these educational facilities across the country.
STEM Schools
The STEM schools include the Kpasenkpe Model STEM SHS at West Mamprusi, Awaso Model STEM SHS in Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, a 4-storey 11-unit classroom block for Bosomtwe Model STEM JHS, a 2-storey 11-unit classroom block for South Ridge Experimental School in Sunyani, a 2-storey 11-unit classroom block at Juaben, and a 4-storey 28-unit classroom block with ancillary facilities at the Accra STEM Academy in La-Nkwantanang-Madina.
2-Unit Kindergarten Blocks
The locations of 2-unit kindergarten blocks include Atobiase D/A Basic School in Adansi South, Apesika M/A Primary in Cape Coast North, Kenyasi Mouho Methodist Basic in Asutifi North, Nuaso in Bosomtwe, Oyoko D/A Primary in Bosomtwe, Abesewa RC Primary in Juaben, Goaso KG and Goaso SDA/KG Primary in Asunafo North, Krakrom R/C Primary in Dormaa West, and Takyiman Methodist KG/Primary in Kwaebibirem.
Additional facilities are located at Assin Nyamebebu KG in Assin South, Amankwadei Kindergarten in Bosomtwe, Edwenase in Bosomtwe, Abrem Berase in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abirem, Nsuta RC Primary in Techiman, Zuasa in Builsa South, Presby Kindergarten in Aweabeng, Abuakwa North, Tantaala School in Mamprugu Moaduri, Yizeisi School in Mamprugu Moaduri, and Dome Methodist KG in Fanteakwa South.
3-Unit JHS Classroom Blocks
The new 3-unit JHS classroom blocks are located at Effiduase Methodist JHS in Sekyere East, Asempanaye Primary in Asante-Akim South, Akyem Manso Roman Catholic JHS in Asene-Manso-Akroso, Edumanu Onyaapa M/A Basic School in Mfantsiman, Fremasi DA Primary in Assin South, Assin Bosomadwe in Assin South, Breme RC JHS in Tano South, Pibilla D/A JHS in Nkwanta North, St. Augustine’s Catholic Primary in Achiase-Assin South, Debiso D/A JHS in Jaman North, and Torve R/C Primary in Akatsi South.
6-Unit Classroom Blocks
The 6-unit classroom blocks can be found at locations such as Nteferewaso in Twifo Atti-Morkwa, APCE Demonstration School in Agogo, Asante-Akim North, AME Zion in New Tafo, Abuakwa North, Pumpune in Ahanta West, Ryaner Paul in Sekondi Takoradi, Shama D/A Primary in Shama, Diabene in Sekondi Takoradi, Ahafoman Basic Primary in Asunafo North, Denase D/A Primary in Afigya Kwabre North, Bosuso Presby in Fanteakwa South, and Kodzobi Ando Basic School in Adaklu.
