By Adnan Adams Mohammed
The Chief of Staff, Dr. Julius Debrah, has outlined a series of ambitious educational and development projects for the Savannah Region, promising to transform the area’s socio-economic landscape and broaden access to quality learning for its youth.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama at the climax of the Damba Festival at the Jakpa Palace in Damongo, Dr. Debrah paid tribute to the rich legacy of the Gonja Kingdom and underscored the government’s commitment to prioritizing the region’s development.
Addressing traditional leaders, dignitaries, and thousands of festival-goers gathered under the theme “Celebrating Our Heritage: The Role of Traditional Leadership in Promoting Unity and Development,” the Chief of Staff highlighted the kingdom’s historical contributions to the nation.
“This Kingdom has given the country farmers, traders, scholars, ministers, a Vice President, and a President. That is not a small gift,” Dr. Debrah stated. “It means the Savannah Region cannot appear in the national calendar only when there is a festival.”
Broadening Educational Access and STEM Training
To ensure long-term human resource development, Dr. Debrah revealed several key policy initiatives and infrastructure plans designated for the region:
● Tertiary Institutions: Establishment of a new College of Education in Bole and groundwork for a fully-fledged University of Science and Technology tailored to regional needs.
● Specialized & Vocational Education: Construction of a specialized Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) school at Tinga, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution at Kulmasa, and the Mma Nneba STEM School for girls at Busunu, named in honor of President Mahama’s late mother.
Beyond public infrastructure, Dr. Debrah pledged direct state backing for traditional educational efforts, noting that the administration would collaborate closely with local initiatives.
“Your Majesty, the President has asked me to get the relevant agencies to support the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund. That Fund is your own proof that the Skin cares about the classroom,” Dr. Debrah affirmed.
To support the initiative, a donation of GH¢200,000 was presented to the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund to assist needy and talented students throughout Gonjaland.
Traditional Leadership Urges Accelerated Completion
Responding to the announcement, the Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I, expressed gratitude for the planned projects while stressing the importance of timely execution.
“We appreciate the good initiatives aimed at developing the young Savannah Region,” the Yagbonwura remarked. “We only wish to add our voice to the call on government to expedite work on ongoing projects to ensure their timely completion. Education is one of the greatest investments we can make in our future, but government alone cannot address the challenges.”
The Overlord called on parents, teachers, and community leaders to join forces with state institutions to raise academic standards and curb social issues affecting young people in the area.
Call for National Cohesion and Regional Development
Addressing wider civic priorities, Dr. Debrah reassured the gathering that key utility projects including the Damongo Water Supply System and rural electrification expansions remain high priorities. He closed the ceremony with an appeal for harmony and mutual respect across political lines.
“Before our party colors, we were one people, and after elections, we must remain one nation,” Dr. Debrah emphasized. “Political disagreements are necessary in a democracy, but they should never turn citizens into enemies. Unity is our strength, service our duty, and development our shared responsibility.”
