By Rachel Kakraba
Headmistress of Accra Girls Senior High School, Mrs. Gifty Andoh, has appealed to stakeholders in education to assist the school expand critical infrastructure in the school.
She said this has become important as increase in enrollment has put a strain on existing infrastructure, impeding effective teaching and learning.
She also called for expansion of accommodation for resident teachers for effective supervision and monitoring of students.
Mrs. Andoh who was speaking at the 63rd Speech and Prize Giving Day of the school, in Accra, further stated that having a resident nurse in the school will help to cater for the healthcare needs of students.
Accra Girls Senior High School, AGISS was established in September 1960 to cater for the educational needs of girls. With a humble students’ population of twelve students, current students’ population stands at more than two thousand with a teaching strength of one hundred and thirty-four.
Mrs. Andoh, said the school runs a transitional system which sees an all-year academics, which puts a strain on infrastructure. This she said requires swift interventions, to ensure the school continues to maintain its class of excellence.
“The transitional system has put a lot of pressure on management, staff, students and facilities. This is because the school runs throughout the year without break. That is the transitional system, the school therefore needs space for more classroom and dormitories in order to enroll all the single track schools”
“The official vehicle for the headmistress is over 18 years old and maintaining it for continuous use depletes the coffers of the school. I therefore appeal to the government to support us with a new vehicle as the one in use has become a mobile casket” she added.
Mrs. Andoh expressed worry over the use of mobile phones on campus. She said the school has procured a good number of house phones and asked parents to discourage their wards from bringing mobile phones to school as it is against the school’s rules and regulations.
“The school has procured enough house phones for all the houses to be used by students but they resort to bringing mobile phones to school, which is contrary to the rules and regulations of the school. This is greatly affecting their academic work we therefore plead with parents to help us fight this battle”
Mrs. Andoh, expressed appreciation to all who contributed to making the year under review success.
An Old Girl and Solicitor General, Office of the Attorney General and Ministry of Justice, madam Helen Ziwu, extolling achievements made by the school, noted gains made in girls’ education has enormous benefits for the country. She encouraged the student’s body to emulate success achieved by old girls.
“The gains we make in girls’ education are not only essential for the girls themselves but also for the progress of the entire society. It’s for excellence and growth, Accra Girls Senior High School has demonstrated commitment to academic excellence and personal growth from the time I left. Having passed through this great institution I’m thoroughly aware of the exceptional education that young girls receive here, because I’m a testimony.
She encouraged management and teachers of the school to be committed to nurturing the young girls.
“It is our responsibility to support and nurture these young ones by providing them with the tools to make them the change makers of tomorrow. Accra Girls Senior High School has always been at the forefront of education and we must continue this tradition by providing holistic education that prepares our girls for the challenges and opportunities”.
CEO, Asian African Consortium, Adelaide Siaw Agyapong, encouraged students not to despair in the face of challenges. She also asked them to be committed in making an impact in the world.
“I want to tell you that your circumstances do not define your potential. What really matters is your determination, your passion and your unwavering belief in yourself. Remember that success is not measured in the name of the school you attend but your dedication to learning, your resilience in the face of challenges and your commitment to making a positive impact in the world”
CEO of Mchammah Engineering Company Limited who was also Chairman of the ceremony, Dr. Ebenezer Kakra Hammah, noted the school has contributed to shaping the lives of many Ghanaian women who impact positively to different sectors of the economy. He encouraged the students to aspire at achieving success in all that they do.
“Together we can develop an atmosphere that encourages excellence and develops young brains. To the students I encourage you to keep aiming higher to have enormous goals and to never be afraid of difficulties. Your education will serve as a cornerstone on which you will build your future.
Adding on he said “Let’s not forget that quality girls Education is about developing into responsible, compassionate people who make meaningful contribution to society”
An appeal for funds was organized in support of ongoing projects.
Prizes were also given to deserving teaching and non-Teaching as well as past students and current students for excelling performances.
