First Lady Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo has inaugurated the newly refurbished Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools in the Asheidu-Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District in Accra.
The First Lady was accompanied by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, former Speaker of Parliament, Dr Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, and Mrs Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, Mayor of Accra to perform the inauguration on Wednesday, September 18, 2024.
The redevelopment of the 118-year-old educational facility was done in a collaboration between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Bank of Ghana.
The facility has an 18-unit three-storey classroom block and a three-unit nursery block, fully equipped with modern amenities such as science and computer laboratories, libraries, a staff common room, offices, a horticultural garden and a playground for students, among others.
Mrs Akufo-Addo in a speech urged all citizens to adopt the spirit of prioritizing the needs of future generations, adding that, the modern school would provide quality education and training for children to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.
She pointed out that the government had made education a priority, resulting in increased access and higher enrolment figures in public schools, stressing that education was crucial for Ghana’s development.
The First Lady called on the management of the school to make good use of the facilities to ensure high-quality education whilst encouraging the students to remain disciplined and strive for success in their academic and personal endeavours.
The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru, on his part, expressed gratitude to all stakeholders and acknowledged the significant role played by the Bank of Ghana in supporting the project.
He emphasised the importance of the new school building and called for regular maintenance of the facility to ensure its long-term impact on education in the community.
Dr Addison also on his part highlighted the rich history of the school, which was founded in 1906 during the British colonial era, and recounted how the school, originally known as the Accra Government Girls School, served as a centre for the education of girls, including his mother and several other women from Osu.
He recounted how the Bank of Ghana received a request for support through the former headmistress of the school, Mrs. Agatha Ama Dzathor, and the then Mayor of Accra, Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah, for the construction of a modern classroom block, which was approved through its corporate social responsibility.
The Governor praised the collaboration between the Ghana Education Service (GES), the AMA, and the Bank of Ghana in bringing the project to fruition and urged the management of the school to adopt a rigorous maintenance culture to ensure the longevity of the facilities.
Dr Addison also reminded the teachers of their crucial role in nurturing young minds and encouraged students to use the school as a place to explore, innovate, and reach new heights.
‘’The bank expects that the school’s management will commit to a rigorous maintenance culture to enhance the lifespan of the facilities for the present and future generations,” he stated.
He said: “To the pupils who will walk through these gates of this school is your oyster, where your curious minds will explore, question, and innovate to reach higher heights than your forbearers.
“And to the teachers, remember that your dedication and nurturing of these young minds will contribute to making this school a place of excellence that will produce the needed human capacity for the nation’s workforce.”
Mrs Kwatsoe Sackey reiterated the theme of the event, “Quality Education in the 21st Century: The Role of Stakeholders,” and stressed the importance of stakeholder involvement in providing quality education.
She thanked the Bank of Ghana for its contribution and expressed optimism that the improved school infrastructure would significantly enhance education delivery in the area.
She commended her predecessor, Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah, and former Metropolitan Director of Education, Mr Stephen Abamfo, as well as Mrs Agartha Dzathor, a former Headteacher of the school, for their efforts in securing support for the school’s rehabilitation.
She gave an assurance that the AMA would continue to collaborate with the Metro Directorate of Education, to ensure the proper maintenance of the school’s facilities.
Present at the event, were a cross-section of chiefs from the Ga Mashie area, executives of the Old Students Association, the clergy and Assembly Members, among others.
GNA