The Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene has toured five ongoing bulk infrastructure projects at Juaben Senior High School, describing the developments as a major boost for teaching and learning in the municipality.
The inspection covered a two-storey boys’ dormitory, a two-storey girls’ dormitory, an eighteen-unit three-storey classroom block, and four separate components of teacher housing. Dr. Amoakohene said he opted for a physical assessment to confirm progress beyond the 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 paperwork, so I decided to go to the field to verify and witness it myself,” he told journalists after the tour.
Dr. Amoakohene commended the contractor for the pace of work, noting that substantial progress had been made within three months of the contract award. He said the new dormitories and classroom block would help ease congestion and create a more conducive learning environment as student enrollment continues to rise.
The teacher accommodation units, he added, are designed to improve staff welfare and make teaching and learning more effective. “When teachers are comfortable and housed close to campus, it reflects in their commitment and output,” the Minister noted.
A key issue raised during the inspection was the lack of a coherent campus layout. Dr. Amoakohene observed that encroachment around Juaben SHS had forced buildings to be scattered across the large campus without a unified site plan.
“One big issue we’ve noticed is about the site plan of the campus. The school has large land, but because of encroachment they just spread the buildings anyhow and settlements are not properly arranged,” he said.
To address the challenge, the Regional Minister has directed all Senior High Schools in the region to work with their respective District and Municipal Assemblies to develop proper campus layouts and site plans. He explained that orderly planning will ensure disciplined expansion, improve functionality, and protect school lands from further encroachment.
Dr. Amoakohene also announced plans for a 2,500-capacity Assembly Hall for Juaben SHS. According to the proposed layout, an existing field will need to be relocated to create space for the facility.
He assured that discussions are ongoing with school authorities and stakeholders to resolve the relocation. The Minister described the hall as critical for assemblies, examinations, and large school events, and said it would further reduce pressure on existing infrastructure.
The Regional Minister praised Juaben Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Eunice Ohenewaa Ansu for her coordination with the school and contractors. He credited her “selfless service and delivery” with helping to keep the projects on schedule since she assumed office.
Juaben Senior High School remains one of the major second-cycle institutions in the Juaben Municipality. With student numbers growing each year, the ongoing infrastructure drive is expected to address long-standing deficits and improve the overall academic environment.
Dr. Amoakohene reiterated his commitment to regular monitoring of projects across the region to ensure value for money and timely delivery.
