Chiana: The Chiana Senior High School, located in the Kassena-Nankana West District, is in critical need of a Science Laboratory. The Chiana-Pio, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, the Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area, highlighted this concern, stating that despite offering General Science courses, the school has been operating without a Science Laboratory for over 15 years.
According to Ghana News Agency, Pe Ayagitam III stressed the importance of keeping pace with global educational standards. He emphasized that the students of Chiana, and those from other regions who choose to study at Chiana SHS, are competing globally. He voiced his concern at the annual Fao festival, which focused on the theme 'Accelerated education for all: The role of effective partnerships.' The festival serves as a platform for cultural celebration and reflection on educational challenges.
The event gathered various officials, including Mr. Mahama Ayariga, Leader of Government Business and Majority Leader in Parliament, and Mr. Alamzy Billa Nikyema, the Member of Parliament for the area. Pe Ayagitam III pointed out other educational infrastructure issues, such as the lack of a suitable administration block and inadequate staff housing, which further hamper educational progress. An administration block project remains stalled at 65 percent completion, while teachers, including the headmistress, face housing shortages.
Furniture inadequacies in basic schools were also highlighted, with existing furniture in poor condition. Pe Ayagitam III made an urgent appeal to the government to expedite the completion of the stalled projects and establish necessary facilities like a Science Laboratory and staff accommodations to improve teaching and learning outcomes.
Mr. Ayariga, the Special Guest of Honour, praised the Fao festival's evolution into a platform for development and accountability. He recognized education as a critical pathway to inclusive and sustainable progress, emphasizing its role in lifting communities out of poverty and enabling them to compete in a knowledge-driven economy.
The Majority Leader underscored the importance of quality education in transforming the traditional area and the Upper East Region. He commended the Chiana-Pio for using the festival as a vehicle for highlighting developmental needs rather than solely focusing on cultural aspects.