MP DEMANDS TIMELINE FOR COMPLETION OF BOLEGATANGA SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL PROJECT

The Member of Parliament for Talensi, Hon. Daniel Dung Mahama, has filed an urgent question in Parliament directed to the Minister for Education, seeking clarity on the completion of the Boregatanga Senior High School project at Winkogo in the Talensi District.

The lawmaker is requesting the Minister to provide a definite timeline for the completion of the school's structural works and overall development to enable it to become fully operational.
In his question, Hon. Mahama asked: “To ask the Minister for Education when Boregatanga Senior High School, located in Winkogo in the Talensi District, will be completed.”

The question places focus on the status of the project, expected completion dates, and the government's plans to ensure the school is ready for academic use.
Further details, including the Minister's official response, projected timelines, and any budgetary allocations for the completion of the project, are expected as parliamentary proceedings continue.

Responding to an urgent question filed by the Member of Parliament for Talensi, Hon. Daniel Dung Mahama, the Minister for Education, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu provided a historical background of the school and outlined the challenges confronting the institution.

According to the Minister, Bolgatanga Senior High School was established in 1970 at Zuarungu with an initial enrollment of 75 students, three teachers, and eight supporting staff. Due to limited space for expansion, the school was relocated to its current site at Winkogo in 1976. Over the years, the institution has experienced significant growth and currently serves a student population of 2,528. The school is supported by 176 teaching staff and 52 non-teaching staff, making it one of the key second-cycle institutions in the area.

Despite its growth and importance, the Minister noted that the school has operated for nearly five decades without a physical perimeter fence.
Addressing Parliament, the Minister stressed that the absence of a fence wall poses serious security and safety concerns, particularly because the campus is situated along the busy Bolgatanga–Tamale Highway. “The urgency of constructing a perimeter fence for this school cannot be overemphasized. The campus sits wide open along the busy Bolgatanga–Tamale Highway, which poses a constant and direct danger to students, teachers, and workers,” the Minister stated.

The Minister further revealed that recent conflicts within the area have adversely affected teacher retention and attendance, a development that continues to impact teaching and learning outcomes at the school.

In response to concerns raised by the Talensi MP, the Ministry assured the House that the school's infrastructural and security needs have been recognized and will be considered a priority in future infrastructure expansion plans.

However, Hon. Haruna Iddrisu explained that the commencement of the fence wall project remains dependent on the availability of funds. The Ministry is currently assessing and auditing available resources to determine how quickly the project can be undertaken. “The Ministry recognizes the critical safety and infrastructural needs of this enclave. Priority will be heavily directed toward this area when infrastructure expansion investments are made,” the Minister assured.

The response provides some reassurance to students, parents, and residents of Winkogo, who have long advocated for enhanced security measures at the school. Stakeholders will now be looking forward to concrete funding commitments and timelines that will facilitate the construction of the long-awaited perimeter fence.