Mion: Seven out of ten basic schools in the Mion District are facing a severe shortage of classroom infrastructure and furniture, according to Mr Hamza Azindoo, the Mion District Chief Executive (DCE). This shortage is significantly hindering the quality of education and contributing to school dropouts in the area.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Azindoo highlighted that, in most schools, students are forced to study under trees or in makeshift sheds due to the lack of proper classroom structures. Additionally, the scarcity of furniture means many children have no option but to sit on the bare floors during lessons.
Mr Azindoo, in an interview, emphasized that addressing these infrastructure deficiencies is crucial for promoting quality education and reducing dropout rates, particularly in rural and underserved communities. He noted that improving educational infrastructure remains one of the Assembly’s top priorities, alongside developments in agriculture and healthcare.
In terms of agriculture, Mr Azindoo expressed the Assembly’s commitment to leverage the Department of Agriculture to train farmers in climate-smart practices and modern farming technologies to enhance yield. He noted that changing rainfall patterns have posed challenges for many farmers, and the Assembly plans to introduce adaptive farming techniques and support national initiatives like Feed Ghana and livestock production.
The DCE further mentioned plans to promote dry-season farming through irrigation, while acknowledging the need for external support to construct dams and other essential water infrastructure.
Addressing the health sector, Mr Azindoo lamented the absence of a district hospital and urged the Government to prioritize the completion of the Agenda 111 hospital project in the district, owing to its unique challenges.
Sanitation remains another critical issue, particularly in densely populated areas where open defecation persists due to the lack of household toilet facilities. Although the district has sanitation by-laws, the lack of gazetting has made enforcement difficult. Mr Azindoo assured that efforts are underway to formalize and implement these by-laws to ensure new buildings include water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities.
Access to potable water, especially during the dry season, is a significant concern as most surface water sources dry up, forcing residents to walk several kilometers in search of water.
The Mion District, located in the eastern corridor of the Northern Region, was established in 2012 through Legislative Instrument 2064 to ensure effective administration and holistic development. It shares boundaries with Yendi Municipal to the East, Tamale Metropolitan and Savelugu Municipal to the West, Gushegu and Karaga to the North, and Nanumba North and East Gonja to the South.