THE Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, has described as “highly disturbing” the growing educational inequality confronting many school children in communities under his jurisdiction.
According to him, there has been a sharp decline in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) pass rate in several basic schools within the Chiana Traditional Area, a situation he said was worrying, particularly at a time when education at all levels has progressively been made free in the country.
The Paramount Chief, who is also the President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs, expressed these concerns at the 14th celebration of the Fao Festival at Chiana in the Kassena-Nankana West District of the Upper East Region.
Pe Ayagitam III questioned the relevance of free education policies if pupils at the basic level were unable to excel in their academic pursuits.
He noted that any neglect of basic education was akin to “building a beautiful edifice on a very weak foundation,” which, he stressed, could not stand the test of time.
Even at the Chiana Senior High School—the oldest Senior High School in the district—the President of the Regional House of Chiefs disclosed that the institution was grappling with numerous infrastructure deficits, including lack of a suitable administration block, a science laboratory, adequate dormitories, sufficient staff bungalows, and furniture for students.
Despite the decade-long educational challenges bedevilling the communities, the Chiana Pio commended the people for continuing to brave the odds and making significant strides in the pursuit of education.
He, therefore, appealed to the Ministry of Education to expedite the completion of the stalled administration block, construct new and befitting dormitories to accommodate the growing student population, and address other pressing infrastructure challenges facing the school.
Speaking on the theme: ‘Accelerated Education for All: The Role of Effective Partnerships,’ Pe Ayagitam III reiterated his long-standing call for the creation of a separate constituency and district for the people of Chiana.
He explained that, “one of the surest ways to address the infrastructure gaps in education, health, roads, and access to public services for my people is to grant their request for a separate constituency and district.”
Responding to the concerns raised, the Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, Mr Mahama Ayariga, assured that government was committed to investing in critical infrastructure projects to open up communities and connect schools, markets, and health facilities.
The Bawku Central Legislator, who also doubles as the Majority Leader and Minister of Government Business in Parliament, acknowledged that infrastructure development was central to creating opportunities and addressing educational challenges in schools.
He disclosed that under the Emergency GETFund Project, government had awarded over 94 educational infrastructure projects across the Upper East Region.
He also announced that the Chuchuliga–Chiana–Tumu–Wa road would be constructed under the Big Push Agenda and encouraged communities along the stretch to closely monitor the execution of the project in order to ensure quality work.
The Fao Festival is celebrated annually by the chiefs and people of Chiana to express gratitude to God for a bountiful harvest.
From Francis Dabre, Dabang, Bolgatanga
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