The Chiana-Pio, Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, the Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area, has expressed concern about the lack of Science Laboratory at the Chiana Senior High School (SHS).
He said even though the school offered General Science courses and the oldest SHS in the Kassena-Nankana West District, it was without a Science Laboratory for over 15 years.
“The Chiana Senior High School continues to run General Science courses without a Science Laboratory for well over 15 years,” the Paramount Chief who is a member of the Council of State and President of the Upper East Regional House of Chiefs said.
He said the world was evolving fast and the children of Chiana and all those who chose to study in the Chiana SHS competed with the world insisting that, “Chiana cannot afford slow progress in our education.”
Pe Ayagitam III was speaking at this year’s Fao festival of the Chiefs and people of the Chiana Traditional Area on the theme: “Accelerated education for all: The role of effective partnerships.”
The Fao festival offered residents the opportunity to thank God for bumper harvest, celebrate their culture, unity, resilience, deep reflection, and collective action to accelerated development.
The annual occasion, which is always characterized by colourful display of culture and tradition, brought together the sons and daughters of the area within and outside the Region including government and non-government officials.
Notable government officials at the event were: Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Leader of Government Business and Majority Leader in Parliament, Mr Alamzy Billa Nikyema, the Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Mr Donatus Akamugri Atanga, the Upper East Regional Minister, Mr Stephen Aeke Akurugo, the District Chief Executive for the area among others.
According to Pe Ayagitam III, while the issues that affected quality education may not be unique to only his traditional area, he bemoaned the situation in the community.
He said aside the lack of the Science Laboratory, the school lacked a suitable administration block, and recalled that an administration block project, started some years ago and at 65 per cent completion, stalled, while most teachers including the headmistress lived outside campus owing to inadequate staff bungalows.
The Paramount Chief added that furniture in many of the basic schools were inadequate, and that the few pieces of furniture in some schools were in bad condition saying, “this is not acceptable in this fast-paced global village.”
He appealed to government to fast-track the completion of the stalled project, establish a Science Laboratory, renovate and construct new staff bungalows, dormitories, and classrooms for the Chiana SHS to enhance the delivery of teaching and learning outcomes in the school.
“Let us ensure that our schools are not just buildings, but centres of excellence equipped with the tools of the 21st century. To leave any child behind in education is to leave the future of Chiana behind,” Pe Ayagitam III said.
Mr Ayariga, who was the Special Guest of Honour, said the festival had over the years evolved beyond cultural celebration to a respected platform for reflection, accountability, and renewed commitment to development.
He said the choice of the theme was deliberate, strategic, forward-looking, and directly addressed the most pressing development challenges confronting the area and affirmed education as the surest pathway to inclusive and sustainable progress.
The Majority Leader, who is the MP for the Bawku Central Constituency, said education was both a development imperative and a shared moral duty.
“Accelerated education must, therefore, deliver quality, relevance, discipline, and measurable outcomes, ensuring that every child in Chiana, the Upper East Region and across Ghana has a fair opportunity to learn, acquire practical skills, and compete effectively in today’s knowledge-driven economy.
“For us, education is existential. It will determine whether our children remain trapped in poverty or emerge as the professionals, entrepreneurs and leaders who will transform this traditional area and the Upper East Region. Indeed, no society can rise above the quality of education it provides its people,” he added.
Mr Ayariga said when traditional leaders actively championed education, tangible outcomes including improved school attendance, reduced early marriages, strengthened discipline, and deliberate community investment in the future of children.
“I therefore commend the Chiana-Pio for consistently leveraging the Fao festival as a platform for development, rather than a mere cultural celebration,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/Linda Asante Agyei
Jan. 04, 2026
Photos caption:
- Photo showing Pe Ditundini Adiali Ayagitam III, Paramount Chief of the Chiana Traditional Area addressing the festival.
- Photo showing Mr Mahama Ayariga, the Majority Leader of Parliament addressing the Chiefs and people of Chiana.
