The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of the Nandom Municipality in the Upper West Region, Hon. Anthony Ziniel, embarked on a series of site inspections on Tuesday to assess the progress of ongoing projects under the second phase of the Schools of Community Ownership (SOCO) initiative. The visits took him to the communities of Tampele, Bekyenteng, and Kandebegangn, revealing mixed levels of progress and challenges.

At Tampele, the MCE was met with a concerning halt in the construction of a 6-unit classroom block with a library. Work on the project has been stalled since November 29, 2024, despite building materials being present and the foundation already laid. Hon. Ziniel called for an immediate review of the current contract, with a strong indication of terminating and re-awarding it to a more capable contractor. He stressed the need to address the inadequate classroom space, citing the growing student population as a pressing reason for urgent intervention.

In Bekyenteng, the atmosphere was far more encouraging. A similar 6-unit classroom block project was progressing well and had already reached the roofing stage. The MCE and his team commended the contractor for the quality and speed of work, with assurances that the project would be completed soon. Hon. Ziniel highlighted the project as a symbol of progress in the government’s agenda to improve access to quality basic education.

The final stop at Kandebegangn exposed critical infrastructural and maintenance issues. The school’s building required re-roofing, and much of the newly supplied dual desks were already broken. Hon. Ziniel expressed disappointment over the poor maintenance culture and requested a comprehensive situational report. In collaboration with the Ghana Education Service (GES), he pledged swift action to address the challenges and ensure a better teaching and learning environment.

Hon. Ziniel reaffirmed his commitment to the President’s vision of providing inclusive and quality basic education as the foundation for national development. “These visits are not just about oversight; they are about accountability, urgency, and ensuring that every child in Nandom has the right environment to learn and thrive,” he stated.

The SOCO Phase II Projects are part of a broader effort to close the infrastructure gap in rural schools, and Hon. Ziniel’s proactive approach reflects the government’s resolve to turn policy into visible progress.

Camera credit: Nandom municipal Assembly