The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has reaf­firmed his commitment to addressing the growing deteriora­tion of educational infrastructure across northern Ghana.

Mr Iddrisu, who is also the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tamale South, described as disheartening the state of some schools and the number of un­completed projects that continue to hamper teaching and learning.

He made these remarks during a one-day working tour of selected Senior High and Tech­nical Schools in the Upper East Region.

The visit, he explained, was to assess at first hand the impact of recurring conflict in Bawku on education delivery and outcomes in the region.

According to him, a meticulous evaluation of the situation would guide the Ministry’s policy prior­ities and allocation of resources to close gaps in affected areas.

Touring the Zebilla Senior High/Technical School, Bolga­tanga Technical Institute (BO­TECH) and Zamse Senior High/ Technical School, the Minister described the infrastructure situ­ation as “very underwhelming.”

At Zebilla, however, he commended management and students for their resilience in maintaining academic work de­spite the conflict.

“I do not find a learning space in that area good enough for effective learning and teaching,” he told journalists.

“Students need serenity of mind and a secure environment to thrive.”

At Zamse SHTS, Headmaster Simon Anaba raised concerns over abandoned projects, lack of furniture and accommodation shortages.

In response, Mr Iddrisu pledged to convert an unused teachers’ bungalow into a girls’ dormitory, subject to a structural integrity test.

“We may adopt it and com­plete it to ease the accommoda­tion challenge,” he said.

The Minister further an­nounced that government had earmarked GH¢1 billion to end the double track system by 2026 through heavy investment in infrastructure.

This, he said, would create space for effective classroom delivery and improve quality learning nationwide.

He also disclosed plans for sig­nificant teacher recruitment into the Ghana Education Service later this year to reduce deficits at both basic and second cycle levels.

Highlighting policy direction, Mr Iddrisu said government would revolutionise Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education to better equip the youth for the job market.

He emphasised that technical and vocational education must be rebranded as a practical route to employability, not as an option for the academically weak.

On welfare, he assured that teacher promotions, particularly from deputy director to director grades, were being prioritized under the current administration.

He also urged heads of institu­tions to strictly enforce discipline to curb student riots, stressing that schools are meant to shape character as well as impart knowl­edge.