Accra: Mr Eric Edem Agbana, Member of Parliament for Ketu North and a member of Parliament's Select Committee on Education, has described the World Bank's approval of the US$300 million Secondary Education Reform and Transformation Agenda (STARR-J) Project as a major boost for Ghana's education sector and a strong endorsement of the government's vision to transform secondary education.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Agbana commended the Minister for Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, and his team for their leadership in securing the investment. In a statement, he applauded the World Bank and all stakeholders who worked tirelessly to make this possible, emphasizing the dedication and leadership shown in securing this important investment.
Mr Agbana noted that the intervention presented a significant opportunity to address longstanding infrastructure deficits affecting many Category B and Category C senior high schools across the country. He highlighted that issues such as overcrowded classrooms, inadequate dormitory accommodation, and insufficient laboratory facilities have persisted for far too long, negatively impacting effective teaching and learning.
In his statement, Mr Agbana expressed optimism that the STARR-J Project will help bridge these gaps while accelerating Ghana's transition away from the double-track system. He stressed that beyond infrastructure development, the investment represented a broader commitment to quality, equity, and the future of Ghana's young people. He emphasized that if implemented effectively, this initiative will have a lasting impact on educational outcomes and contribute significantly to national development.
Mr Agbana also expressed optimism about the potential benefits for Ketu North, saying he looked forward to seeing evidence of the investments in the constituency's four senior high schools. He explained that improved educational infrastructure would greatly enhance teaching and learning conditions, improve student welfare, and create a more conducive environment for academic excellence. He reaffirmed his commitment to supporting initiatives that would strengthen the education sector and improve opportunities for young people across the country.