Overview
The Board Chairman of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) and Member of Parliament for Ho-West, Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, has announced a renewed push to upgrade infrastructure at Afife Senior High Technical School (Afife SHTS). Speaking to stakeholders, he acknowledged that some loans borrowed in previous years did not translate into visible development on the ground. The focus now, he said, is to ensure that future GETFund loans and disbursements directly translate into improved classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, and other essential facilities for students and staff.
Context: Lessons from the past
Mr. Bedzrah underscored that while GETFund has historically mobilized significant resources for Ghanaian schools, not all projects yielded tangible results. “Some loans did not lead to the expected outcomes, which has understandably raised concerns among communities reliant on these interventions,” he noted. The response, he indicated, is to tighten oversight, improve project appraisal, and ensure robust monitoring from the design stage to completion.
The Afife SHTS Plan
According to the GETFund chairman, Afife SHTS will benefit from a targeted set of infrastructure upgrades designed to meet the school’s current and future needs. The planned interventions include:
- Renovation and expansion of classrooms to reduce crowding and enhance learning environments.
- Upgraded science laboratories and technical workshops to support practical training in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
- Improved dormitories and sanitary facilities to ensure comfortable student housing and better health standards.
- Enhanced staff offices and administrative spaces to streamline school operations and oversight.
- Upgraded fencing, lighting, and security measures to protect students and property.
These measures aim to create a safer, more conducive learning environment that can accommodate growing enrollment and elevate the school’s technical training offerings.
Governance, Transparency, and Oversight
Transparency remains a cornerstone of GETFund’s approach to public school infrastructure. The chairman highlighted ongoing efforts to improve project selection, execution timelines, and compliance with procurement and financial regulations. Moving forward, communities can expect:
- Clear project outlines with defined milestones and budgets.
- Regular progress updates to local stakeholders and the media.
- Independent monitoring to verify that funds are used for intended purposes.
- Community involvement, ensuring the school’s needs align with the funded improvements.
Mr. Bedzrah also encouraged partnerships with local authorities, Parent-Teacher Associations, and student bodies to sustain post-project maintenance and ensure that facilities remain fit for purpose over time.
Broader Impact for Afife and the Region
Upgrading Afife SHTS aligns with a broader strategy to raise educational outcomes in the Volta Region and across Ghana. Improved infrastructure helps attract better teachers, supports hands-on learning in technical subjects, and encourages enrollment among girls and marginalized groups who may seek safer, well-equipped learning environments. By investing in essential facilities, GETFund hopes to contribute to higher retention, better examination results, and a stronger pipeline of skilled graduates ready to enter the workforce or pursue tertiary studies.
Next Steps
While detailed timelines and contractor information are to be released in the coming weeks, the GETFund leadership reassured stakeholders of a rigorous process designed to deliver value. School administrators at Afife SHTS have been urged to provide input on priority needs and oversee the smooth execution of works once funding is secured. The public will be kept informed as projects advance, ensuring accountability at every stage.
Conclusion
With the new projects planned for Afife SHTS, GETFund signals a recommitment to turning loans and funding into visible, lasting improvements in school infrastructure. For students, teachers, and the Afife community, the promise is clearer facilities, safer learning spaces, and a stronger platform for academic and technical excellence.
