Ghana Breaks Ground on Girls STEM School in Busunu

For nearly two decades, families in Busunu, Ghana had to send their children away to attend high school. That changed when President John Dramani Mahama broke ground on the Mma Nneba Girls STEM Senior High School, fulfilling a promise to his mother's hometown.

The Paramount Chief of Busunu, known as Busunuwura, called the ceremony one of the most significant moments of his reign. He announced the school would bear the name of Mahama's mother, a daughter of Busunu remembered for her hard work and generosity.

The modern facility will focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education specifically for girls. When completed, it will feature fully equipped STEM laboratories, libraries, and teaching spaces designed to prepare young women for careers as doctors, engineers, technicians and other professionals.

President Mahama explained that his vision for STEM education began during his previous term after studies revealed challenges in teaching science and math. While earlier programs benefited only select schools, his new approach aims to democratize STEM education across Ghana by equipping existing schools with proper facilities.

The Ripple Effect

The school represents far more than new classrooms for this traditional area. Busunuwura shared that community leaders have already reserved large parcels of land for future government projects, including a proposed police training school, demonstrating their commitment to regional development.

The traditional area developed a comprehensive planning scheme with demarcated roads to guide future growth. Leaders also appealed for township roads and drainage systems to address flooding that regularly affects residents.

Beyond education, the community recently completed a multipurpose center valued at over 4 million Ghanaian cedis, funded through local royalties. The facility includes a conference hall, library, ICT center and banking hall, awaiting final touches before opening.

For girls across the Savannah Region, the STEM school opens doors that seemed permanently closed just months ago. Young women will now access cutting-edge science education without leaving their communities, keeping families together while building Ghana's next generation of innovators.