The Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has toured and inspected five ongoing bulk infrastructure projects at Juaben Senior High School, describing the development as a major boost for teaching and learning in the municipality.
The projects under inspection include a two-storey boys’ dormitory, a two-storey girls’ dormitory, an eighteen-unit three-storey classroom block, and four different components of housing for teachers.
Speaking to the media after the tour, Dr. Amoakohene said he chose to verify the progress on the ground rather than rely solely on reports submitted to his office.
“The projects were presented to me at the office, but I can’t just sit in the office and be satisfied with just paperwork, so I decided to go to the field to verify and witness it myself,” the Regional Minister stated.
Progress on Construction
Dr. Amoakohene commended the contractor for the pace of work, noting that significant progress had been made within three months of the contract being awarded.
He added that the new dormitories and classroom block are expected to ease congestion and improve the learning environment, while the teacher accommodation units are intended to make teaching and learning more conducive by improving staff welfare.
Call for Proper Campus Layout
A key issue raised during the inspection was the arrangement of structures on the school’s large campus. The Minister observed that encroachment around the school had forced buildings to be spread out without a coherent site plan.
“One big issue we’ve noticed is about the site plan of the campus. The school has a large land, but because of encroachment they just spread the buildings anyhow and settlements are not well or properly arranged,” he said.
To address the challenge, Dr. Amoakohene said he has directed all Senior High Schools in the region to collaborate with their respective District and Municipal Assemblies to develop proper campus layouts and site plans. The move, he explained, will ensure orderly development and make future expansion easier.
2,500-Capacity Assembly Hall in the Pipeline
The Regional Minister also hinted at another major project yet to begin: a 2,500-capacity Assembly Hall for Juaben SHS. According to the layout submitted, an existing field will need to be relocated before construction can commence.
He assured that discussions are ongoing to address the relocation and pave the way for the hall, which he described as critical for school assemblies, examinations, and large events.
Dr. Amoakohene used the occasion to commend the Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu, for what he called her “selfless service and delivery” since assuming office.
He said her coordination with the school and contractors had helped keep the projects on track.
Juaben Senior High School is one of the major second-cycle institutions in the Juaben Municipality, and the ongoing projects are expected to significantly improve infrastructure deficits as student enrollment continues to grow.
