In a move described as a historic first for the Fourth Republic, President John Mahama has officially uncapped GETFund resources, unleashing a GH¢10 million wave of investment for school infrastructure across the Upper East Region.

The announcement was made on Sunday, April 5, 2026, by the MP for Bolgatanga Central, Isaac Adongo, who represented the President at this year’s Navro-Pungu Peace and Development Festival.

The funding for the 2025–2026 academic year represents a significant shift in educational financing, moving away from previous fiscal restrictions to prioritise direct grassroots development.

The President confirmed that starting 13th April 2026, a total of 70 transformative projects will break ground simultaneously across the region. The intervention is designed to address chronic deficits in classroom space, sanitation, and practical science education.

Key institutions set to benefit from new classroom blocks, laboratories, and toilet facilities include:

• Navrongo & Sandema SHS: Core regional hubs slated for upgrades.
• Bawku Technical & Binduri SHTS: Focused on technical and vocational expansion.
• Gbewa College & Sirigu SHS: Targeted for capacity building.
• Primary level: Narigu Primary is among the basic schools listed for urgent works.

In what is being hailed as the most significant milestone of the package, the government will establish the region’s first-ever STEM Secondary School, dedicated to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics.

"Big Push" for Roads and Airport

Beyond the classroom, the President’s "Big Push" agenda is turning its focus to the region's crumbling arterial roads. Mr. Adongo confirmed that financing has been secured for the Bolga–Bawku road, while major works on the China–Tumu road remain a top priority.

The speech also paid tribute to the collaborative effort behind the Bolgatanga Airport project. The President commended the Regional Coordinating Council (RCC), led by Donatus Akamugre Atanga and the landlords of Sumbrungu for their cooperation in clearing the path for the long-awaited aviation hub.

Agricultural Reset and Regional Diplomacy

Taking a sharp swipe at the previous administration, Mr Adongo alleged that GH¢25 million intended for the Tono and Vea dams was "misapplied" into the failed "Planting for Food and Jobs" programme.

On the international front, the President committed to a new era of frontier diplomacy with Burkina Faso and Mali. This initiative aims to strengthen cross-border security and economic ties, ensuring that communities in the Upper East benefit from shared regional prosperity.

To crown the celebrations, a donation of GH¢40,000 was made to serve as seed capital for a new Girl Child Educational Fund in Navro-Pungu, cementing the administration's focus on gender parity in education.