Talensi DCE Assures Schools of Furniture Support, Says Distribution Will Be Driven by Need
The Talensi District Chief Executive, Hon. John Millim, has assured residents that schools struggling with inadequate furniture will receive support, but stressed that the distribution will be based on verified data rather than political considerations. Responding to concerns over schools such as the primary school at Sawalega, where a citizen reportedly highlighted a severe shortage of furniture, Hon. Millim said the Assembly was already taking steps to address the problem. He disclosed that newly procured dual desks were being assembled and would soon be distributed to schools identified by the District Education Directorate as having the most critical shortages. “We will not just get up, pick chairs and tables and go and distribute them to some community when we don’t have the data from the District Education Directorate.” The DCE said development planning must be evidence-based, explaining that the Assembly relies on the Education Directorate’s data to determine where educational infrastructure and furniture are most urgently required. “Development is a shared responsibility, and wherever we are building a school, we do not just decide to go and build a school for people because they are good to us. We do that in consultation with the Education Directorate.” He further revealed that the Assembly had already procured dual desks, with some undergoing assembly, and promised that distribution would commence shortly. “These dual desks that I have procured… in the next week, by God, we are going to distribute them.” Beyond the immediate furniture challenge, Hon. Millim called for stronger community ownership of public facilities, arguing that providing infrastructure without protecting it undermines development. “Whatever we get today, let’s try to protect it so we can ask for more new things.” He therefore urged teachers, parents and community members to help maintain school facilities, warning that authorities would struggle to justify further investment when existing infrastructure and equipment were allowed to deteriorate. “If we get something today and then we don’t take care of it, we cannot develop a community like that.” The DCE also appealed to stakeholders to present development concerns through constructive engagement rather than partisan confrontation. “Let’s share ideas. You can come to my office and say, ‘This is what I’ve observed at this corner.’ Development is not cut out that way.” He maintained that government alone could not meet every development need and called for collective responsibility among public institutions and communities. “Government cannot do everything. Communities must also play their part by protecting what they receive,” he said. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Nabdam DCE Charts Bold Path to Transform Education Infrastructure
In Nabdam District, Hon. Francis Tobig, the District Chief Executive (DCE), is spearheading an ambitious campaign to transform the face of education. An educationist by profession, Hon. Tobig’s passion is personal, after more than 20 years teaching at Kongo Senior High School, he knows firsthand the struggles of overcrowded classrooms, broken furniture, and the daily challenges teachers and students face. During an exclusive interview on SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST with Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Hon. Tobig painted a vivid picture of both the hurdles and the hope now shaping education in Nabdam. A Teacher’s Vision “I have lived it,” Hon. Tobig shared, reflecting on his years in the classroom. “That’s why I am committed to making a real difference.” His background gives him a unique perspective on what schools truly need, not just buildings, but environments where learning can thrive. Building for the Future Under his leadership, the Assembly is rolling out a series of major infrastructure projects: A new three-unit classroom block, complete with a Head Teacher’s office, storeroom, ICT laboratory, library, staff room, and an eight-seater KVIP toilet facility. A fresh Junior High School at Damolgo, bringing education closer to more children. At Nkuziesie, a two-unit KG block with office, store, five-seater KVIP, and gender-friendly urinals, plus a protective fence and shed. Rehabilitation of classroom blocks at Nangodi Cluster of Schools and demolition of old KG blocks at Pelungu to improve safety and learning environments. Upgrades to the ICT lab at Kongo, including burglar-proofing and painting. Water for Learning Recognizing that good infrastructure means little without the basics, the Assembly is tackling water shortages. The Nabdam Education Directorate is being connected to a mechanized water system, and five new mechanized boreholes with overhead tanks are scheduled for institutions like Sakote Teachers’ Quarters and Kongo KG. More Schools, More Access Procurement is underway for further projects, such as a primary school at St. John’s School in Sakote and an educational facility at Potin. Though a new ultra-modern chief’s palace has been completed at Nkuziesie, Hon. Tobig made clear this was separate from the education push. Furniture: Filling the Gap, Fostering Care Furniture shortages have long plagued Nabdam’s schools. “It’s not just about providing desks,” the DCE emphasized, “but taking care of what we have.” This year, 1,000 pieces of furniture, 600 dual desks and 400 single desks, are being procured, with another 1,000 planned for 2026. But Hon. Tobig is equally focused on maintenance. After visiting a classroom full of broken furniture, he vowed to work with the Education Directorate to establish a robust maintenance system, so resources last longer and serve more students. Raising the Bar: Academic Performance Despite these improvements, academic performance remains a concern. Hon. Tobig expressed disappointment that only one student reached an aggregate of 20 in the 2025 BECE, far from his ambitious target. “We must do better,” he said. He pledged continued engagement with schools and parents, challenging them to raise their expectations and outcomes. A District on the Move Hon. Tobig’s leadership is turning vision into concrete action. From new classrooms and water systems to furniture and maintenance, Nabdam’s schools are changing for the better. As the DCE and his team press forward, the hope is clear: every child in Nabdam deserves a school that inspires learning, and a future filled with possibility Source: Apexnewsgh.com
Leading with Impact: Hon. Francis Tobig’s Trailblazing Initiatives in Nabdam Health Sector
Since his appointment by President John Dramani Mahama, Hon. Francis Tobig, the District Chief Executive (DCE) of Nabdam, has been on a mission to transform the health sector in his district. In an exclusive interview on SPEAKOUT UPPER EAST with Apexnewsgh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen, Hon. Tobig recounted a series of impactful interventions and ongoing projects, painting a vivid picture of progress and commitment. From the outset, Hon. Tobig made healthcare a top priority. Under his leadership, the Nabdam District Assembly channeled resources into improving both the infrastructure and accessibility of healthcare services. One of the first milestones was the expansion of the Nabdam District Health Directorate offices at Nangodi. The upgraded facility now boasts additional office spaces, providing health officials with a more comfortable environment, and a mini conference hall that enables the Health Directorate to organize meetings and programmes independently. To support daily operations, a mechanized borehole was also installed, ensuring a reliable water supply for staff and visitors alike. As Hon. Tobig walked through the district, he observed communities in need of essential healthcare services. At Soliga, a new Community-based Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound began to take shape. Today, the project is nearing completion, with finishing touches underway before it is handed over for public use. The story of progress continued at the Gundug CHPS Compound, where a new maternity block was completed and handed over. Already in use, this facility has played a critical role in supporting safe deliveries and facilitating community health screenings in partnership with local stakeholders and the Member of Parliament. Recognizing the challenges posed by the lack of electricity, Hon. Tobig’s administration connected the Tindongo and Nyogbare CHPS compounds to the national grid. Where once health workers struggled to provide care after dark, these facilities can now remain operational throughout the night, greatly enhancing service delivery. Clean water, too, became a central concern. Mechanized water systems were rolled out for health facilities, including projects at the Zogabre and Pitanga CHPS compounds. The Assembly also planned five mechanized boreholes for critical offices and health posts, ensuring clean water reaches the NHIS Office, GES Office, GIPEC Office, Zogabre CHPS, and Pitanga CHPS. Sanitation improvements were not left behind. The Assembly set plans to construct two 4-seater water closet toilet facilities and two 2-unit urinals at the Health Insurance and CNC facilities in Kongo, aiming to raise the standard of hygiene and support public health. But Hon. Tobig’s vision extended beyond buildings and equipment. He forged partnerships to deliver health screenings to the people of Nabdam. Collaborating with CENSUDI, the Assembly facilitated breast cancer screenings, while joint efforts with the Happy Child organization brought additional screening and treatment services for various conditions. Each intervention, Hon. Tobig explained, forms part of a larger, ongoing commitment to improving healthcare and ensuring that every resident of Nabdam District has access to vital health services. He remains determined to build on these achievements, promising continued progress and new initiatives to address the district’s healthcare needs. Key Interventions Under DCE Tobig’s Tenure: Expansion of the District Health Directorate offices at Nangodi, with extra office space, a mini conference hall, and improved water supply. Construction of a CHPS Compound at Soliga (nearing completion). Completion and handover of a Maternity Block at Gundug CHPS Compound. Connection of Tindongo and Nyogbare CHPS compounds to the national electricity grid. Mechanized water systems for Zogabre and Pitanga CHPS, plus five planned boreholes for key health and administrative offices. New sanitation facilities at Kongo’s Health Insurance and CNC offices. Health screening partnerships with CENSUDI and Happy Child. Hon. Francis Tobig’s story is one of visible progress and unwavering commitment, a testament to the positive change that determined leadership can bring to the health sector in Nabdam District. Source: Apexnewsgh.com