The Bolgatanga East District Assembly has announced plans to meet up to 80 percent of furniture needs in basic schools across the district as part of deliberate efforts to strengthen basic education through improved teaching and learning conditions.
Speaking on A1 Radio, the District Chief Executive (DCE), Jacob Abugre Aka-Eri, revealed that the Assembly has received comprehensive data from the Ghana Education Service on the furniture requirements of schools in the district, covering kindergartens, primary schools, and Junior High Schools.
According to the DCE, the Assembly is currently advertising for the procurement of furniture using resources from the District Assembly Common Fund. “We have the figures for the various furniture needs, including mono-desks, dual desks, tables, and chairs. We are advertising for procurement, and very soon, contractors will be engaged to begin supply,” he stated.
Mr. Aka-Eri explained that while the Assembly may not immediately meet the needs of every classroom, the goal is to achieve at least 80 percent coverage in the first phase. He assured that subsequent procurement exercises would be carried out as more funds become available.
He noted that the Assembly has detailed data on furniture needs across all schools, including newly constructed ones, which have also been factored into the supply plan. “For instance, we need about 611 dual desks, over 360 mono-desks, and about 110 hexagonal tables. Since each hexagonal table requires six chairs, we have calculated the total chair requirements as well,” he explained.
The DCE emphasized that priority would be given to basic schools, stressing that a strong foundation at the kindergarten, primary, and junior high levels is critical to the overall success of the education system.
Although some Senior High Schools in the district are also facing furniture challenges, he noted that institutions such as GETFund and other agencies are expected to support them.
“If those institutions are unable to provide the needed furniture, the Assembly will step in. But for now, our main focus is the basics,” he added.
Beyond furniture provision, Mr. Aka-Eri highlighted ongoing and planned educational infrastructure projects in the district, particularly at Gambibigo Senior High School.
He disclosed that the Assembly has about seven projects lined up, six of which involve physical infrastructure, including a two-storey science laboratory, a 2,500-capacity dining hall, boys’ and girls’ dormitories, and three teacher quarters. The seventh project involves the supply of science laboratory equipment.
He acknowledged the active role played by traditional authorities, especially the Chief of Gambibigo, in advocating for improved educational facilities.
The initiative, according to the DCE, reflects the Assembly’s commitment to improving learning environments and ensuring that pupils and teachers have the basic resources needed to enhance educational outcomes across the Bolgatanga East District.
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