From Joana Kumi, Cape Coast
The headmistress of Aggrey Memorial AME Zion Senior High School, Mrs. Dorothy Adentwi-Hayford
has called for urgent infrastructural support to address challenges affecting academic and student life of the institution.
The appeal was made during a grand durbar to mark the school’s 85th anniversary under the theme “Building on 85 Years of Quality Education: The Role of Stakeholders,”
The event, which brought together government officials, alumni, students, and other well-wishers, served as a platform for the school authorities to appeal for critical logistical and infrastructural support to enhance academic activities and student welfare.
Despite Aggrey Memorial AME Zion SHS’s reputation for academic excellence Mrs. Adentwi-Hayford stressed the urgent need for additional infrastructure to accommodate the ever-growing student population, which had surpassed 4,800.
She expressed concern over the severe congestion in classrooms and dormitories, emphasizing that “the school required a 28-unit classroom block to create a more conducive learning environment”
She also underscored the need for additional staff accommodation, pointing out that “a lack of on-campus housing has made it difficult for teachers to effectively supervise students and maintain discipline”
Another critical issue raised was the small dining hall which could only accommodate 1,000 students at a time, leaving many learners with no option but to wait for long hours before accessing meals.
Security challenge
Beyond infrastructure, security remained a major challenge for the school.
Mrs. Adentwi-Hayford revealed that only seven security personnel were available to oversee the entire campus, which included student dormitories, staff quarters, and the main school gate, making it difficult to ensure the safety of both students and staff.
She appealed for more personnel to strengthen security measures and protect lives and property.
Transportation challenge
In addition, she highlighted transportation difficulties, stating that the school urgently needed a 65-seater bus to ease pressure on the existing fleet.
Furthermore, she called for the refurbishment of their library, urging stakeholders to help restock it with modern books and digital learning resources to enhance academic performance.
Speaking on the school’s academic performance, she admitted that the most recent West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results had fallen below expectations, with only 673 students obtaining grades between A1 and C6.
In response, she said that the school’s management has implemented strategic measures, including extended teaching hours, supervised study periods, and model classes, all aimed at improving student outcomes.
She expressed confidence that these initiatives would help uplift the school from a Grade B to a Grade A institution.
Students also raised concerns about the poor living conditions in dormitories.
The event was spearheaded by the Millennium Year Group of the old students’ association (AMOSA 2000).
As part of their contribution, AMOSA 2000 handed over a newly constructed 10-seater ultramodern washroom facility as a legacy project. Prior to this, the group had also improved the school’s water supply system and upgraded its milling facility, demonstrating their dedication to the school’s development.
The Girls’ Prefect, Ms. Maame Doku Blay lamented the severe congestion in the boarding facilities, noting that “some students had resorted to sleeping in hallways which posed significant health risks”
She urged authorities to prioritize the construction of additional dormitory blocks and the provision of more boreholes and water storage tanks to address frequent water shortages.
Addressing the gathering as the guest of honour, the Central Regional Minister, Mr. Ekow Panyin Okyere Eduamoah pledged his support, assuring that his office would collaborate with the school’s leadership to improve infrastructure and operational efficiency.
He further revealed that discussions were underway to provide the school with a “standby generator” which would help curb the effects of power outages.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding infrastructure in senior high schools and phasing out the double-track system to ensure a smoother academic calendar.
Adding to the calls for development , an alumnus and an Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Prof. James K. Aikin encouraged the students to embrace technology and innovation while upholding the school’s core values of discipline, integrity, and leadership.
He emphasized the need for students to balance modern educational advancements with the school’s longstanding traditions of excellence.
On his part, the Global President of AMOSA, Dr. Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah urged the student to take good care of the school’s facilities and remain focused on their studies in order to improve academic performance and uphold the institution’s legacy.
As part of efforts to support the school, the 1985 Year Group donated office equipment worth 100,000 cedis, a contribution aimed at enhancing administrative efficiency and improving the school’s operations.
The anniversary celebrations were further marked by an impressive march past by the school’s army cadet and a showcase of the school’s achievements over the decades.
The occasion reinforced the urgent need for continued support from stakeholders to ensure the institution’s sustained growth and success in academic excellence.
