By Iddi Yire
Accra, May 27, GNA – The Government is set to commence the construction of new Community Day E-block Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Senior High Schools (SHSs) in Zongo communities and other densely populated urban areas across the country.
President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement during his address at the 2026 Eid al-Adha National Prayer Session held at the Black Star Square in Accra.
He said the initiative aimed at bringing quality STEM education closer to deprived communities, particularly in Zongo areas, to eliminate long travel distances for students.
He said where they are dense Zongo communities or dense urban populations, the Government would establish a modern Community Day E-block STEM Secondary Schools, so that the children would not have to travel out of their communities, but access school right there within their communities.
President Mahama expressed appreciation to the Council of Zongo Chiefs for allocating land to facilitate the implementation of the projects.
He also announced that the Government would begin the rehabilitation of road networks in Zongo communities, starting with Koforidua Zongo, with plans to extend similar projects nationwide.
“Very soon, construction and rehabilitation of roads and other infrastructure projects will begin in several Zongo communities across the country,” he said.
“And soon, we will come to the Chief Imam and to our Muslim chiefs to outline the steps that have been taken to operationalize the Fund,” he said.
“This will give small credit to our mothers and sisters and others who sell waakye and other food. Any Zongo person who has a small business, you can take from the Soyaaya Fund to assess your business.”
The President reiterated the Government’s commitment to improving infrastructure, sanitation, education, healthcare and economic opportunities in Zongo communities as part of its broader development agenda.
Touching on economic issues, President Mahama noted that the Government inherited significant economic challenges but had since taken steps to stabilise the economy and restore confidence.
He said there were clear indications of economic recovery and renewed hope.
“Our focus remains on creating jobs, supporting local enterprises, expanding opportunities for young people and improving living conditions for ordinary Ghanaians,” he said.
He highlighted key initiatives, including the 24-Hour Economy Policy, skills development programmes, apprenticeship schemes and industrial transformation strategies, aimed at generating sustainable employment.
“No community will be left behind in this national reset agenda,” he assured.
President Mahama further disclosed that under the Youth Employment Agency (YEA), the Government had recruited 6,000 Arabic teachers to enhance Islamic education while addressing youth unemployment.
He added that all recruited teachers had been fully paid.
“The Government does not owe them a single cedi; they have been paid up to date,” he emphasised.
The President commended Mr Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of the YEA, and his team for their efforts in ensuring the successful recruitment and payment of the teachers.
He indicated that the Government planned to expand the programme in the coming years.
The Eid al-Adha National Prayer Session was led by the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Reporter: Iddi Yire