Damongo Senior High School (DASS) in the West Gonja Municipality of the Savannah Region has taken a significant step towards improving student welfare and holistic education with the commissioning and official handover of a newly constructed Guidance and Counselling Centre.
The event, held on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the forecourt of the school’s administration block, brought together high-profile dignitaries including the Savannah Regional Minister, the Municipal Chief Executive for West Gonja, officials from the Ghana Education Service, traditional authorities, and members of the general public.
The facility was funded and constructed through the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund, an initiative spearheaded by the King and Overlord of the Gonja Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Yagbonwura Bii-Kunuto Jewu Soale I.
In his welcome address, the Headmaster of Damongo Senior High School, Mr. Di-Yakah Ibrahim Salifu, described the commissioning as a “memorable milestone” in the school’s development.
He emphasized that the centre goes beyond infrastructure, representing a deliberate effort to prioritize students’ emotional well-being, mental health, and personal development alongside academic excellence.
“We are not merely commissioning a building, but celebrating a vision that places the welfare and holistic development of our students at the centre of education,” he stated.
Mr. Salifu expressed profound gratitude to the Yagbonwura and the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund for what he described as a “remarkable and generous contribution,” noting that the facility would help address key student challenges such as peer pressure, mental health concerns, and career uncertainty.
Delivering his speech, the Coordinator of the Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund, Mr. Habib Muftawu Borejinkpar, highlighted the broader vision behind the project.
He noted that the Fund, established in 2023, was driven by the belief that no child should be denied education due to financial hardship. Since its inception, it has supported over 60 students in tertiary institutions across Ghana, committing more than GH¢300,000 in scholarships.
He further revealed that three beneficiaries are currently pursuing medical studies in China.
According to him, the newly commissioned centre is designed to complement academic support with emotional and psychological guidance.
“This is not just a structure of bricks and mortar; it is a centre of hope, healing, mentorship and transformation,” he said.
Mr. Borejinkpar added that the facility would not only serve DASS students but also be accessible to individuals from neighbouring schools and the wider community, particularly those in need of counselling and rehabilitation support.
His speech praised the Yagbonwura for his visionary leadership and commitment to education, despite not having had formal education himself.
Mr. Borejinkpar described the King as a leader whose legacy is defined by wisdom, humility, and a willingness to invest in the future of young people.
A special tribute was also paid to Mr. Iddrisu Mohammed, Special Assistant to the Yagbonwura, for his instrumental role in coordinating the initiative.
The Savannah Regional Director of Education, Mr. Bright A. Lawoe, in his address, underscored the importance of guidance and counselling in modern education.
He explained that quality education must address not only academic development but also the emotional, moral, and social needs of students.
He referenced the Ghana Education Service’s new Guidance and Counselling Framework, which promotes preventive and developmental support systems for students.
“True education nurtures the whole child, equipping learners with the resilience and life skills needed to thrive in an unpredictable world,” he noted.
Mr. Lawoe encouraged school authorities to ensure the effective use and maintenance of the facility, while urging students to take advantage of the services provided.
The Savannah Regional Minister, Lawyer Salisu Be-Awuribe, also commended the Yagbonwura for the initiative, stressing the importance of listening and guidance in leadership and education.
He remarked that “to learn is to listen,” drawing a symbolic connection to the King’s name, Bii-Kunuto, and called for continuous support for counselling services, noting that even counsellors require guidance.
The event attracted a large gathering of dignitaries including the Yagbonwura himself, the Damongowura, sub-chiefs, heads of institutions, security service commanders, and members of the public.
It was marked by vibrant cultural displays by students and a guard of honour mounted by the school cadet corps, adding colour and prestige to the occasion.
As the ceremony concluded, stakeholders expressed optimism that the Guidance and Counselling Centre would serve as a sanctuary for students, a place where challenges are addressed, talents are nurtured, and futures are shaped.
The facility stands as a symbol of collaboration between traditional leadership, educational institutions, and the community in building a stronger, more resilient generation.
Yagbonwura Commissions, Hands Over Bii-Kunuto Educational Fund Guidance and Counselling Centre to Damongo SHS
