Second Lady Samira Bawumia, Amb. Gina Blay, Archibald Letsa and other dignitaries cutting the the OLA@70 anniversary cake
Second Lady, Samira Bawumia, has indicated that Ghana’s digitalisation agenda has significantly transformed its economy and governance, leading to efficiency and elimination of opportunities for corruption.
According to her, digitalisation is helping the nation to find better ways of solving problems in governance and society, “making strides towards efficiency and transparency.”
“These efforts have led to remarkable achievements including the rapid growth of mobile money markets and enhanced public service delivery, positioning Ghana as a leader in mobile money transactions in Africa,” she said.
The Second Lady said this in Ho over the weekend at the 70th anniversary of Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) SHS. The celebration was under the theme, ‘Reminiscing 70 Years of Holistic Catholic Education: The Role of Stakeholders in Embracing Technology and Entrepreneurship for the Future.’
Ambassador Gina Blay addressing the gathering at the 70th Anniversary of Ola Senior High School over weekend
Our Lady of Apostles (OLA) SHS, established in 1954 with 35 students, currently has 4,097 students with 3,962 being boarders and 135 day-students.
There was an excellent performance by the school’s all-girls cadet corps which received continuous applause and admiration from those in attendance.
Mrs. Bawumia said digitalisation has facilitated easy and accessible financial transactions for millions, significantly impacting e-commerce and digital payments.
“They have facilitated easier access to online market business, allowing young business owners to receive payment from a broader customer base without the constraint of being on the same mobile network,” she indicated.
H.E Samira Bawumia flanked by ambassador Gina Blay and Regional Minister Dr. Letsa at the 70th
birthday of OLA SHS, Ho
She said this inclusivity has not only expanded their market reach but also provided a stimulus for innovation in the digital commerce space.
The Second Lady also stated that digitalisation has extended to vital public services including passports and driver’s license applications, land system, tax collection and more, streamlining processes and reducing opportunities for corruption.
In the education sector, she said the impact of Covid-19 especially on teaching and learning, provided the opportunities for schools to leverage technology to build on their competitive advantages, exposing students to artificial intelligence and helping them to explore computer programmes that help position them globally.
The educational sector has also benefited with significant investments in digital infrastructure, providing free Wi-Fi to educational institutions and furthering digital literacy and access to information.
Samira Bawumia with other dignitaries cutting the tape to officially commence 700-bed dormitory project
Free SHS
Mrs. Bawumia also touched on the Free Senior High School (SHS) policy, indicating that there has been remarkable surge in enrolment figures in SHSs which is a beacon of progress and hope.
“The policy has been a game changer, particularly for our girls who historically have faced numerous barriers to education.
“With the removal of the financial obstacles, we have seen a significant increase in girl-child enrolment, ensuring that our daughters can dream without restraint, aspire without limitations and achieve without precedence,” she added.
The Second Lady earlier broke ground for the construction of 700-bed dormitory, initiated by the Past OLA Girls Association (POGA) for the school, saying she hopes it serves the purpose for which it is being built.
Ambassador Gina Blay
Ghana’s Ambassador to Germany, Ambassador Gina Ama Blay, an old student, who was the Chairperson for the ceremony, underscored the need for the integration of technology and entrepreneurship in education as paramount.
She said this integration is not just a necessity, “but an opportunity to redefine the future of our students and by extension, our nation.”
Ambassador Gina Blay also indicated that the world is rapidly changing, and with it the demands on the educational systems, stating, “We must continue to innovate and adapt, ensuring that our students are not just equipped with knowledge but with skills and mindset to thrive in a technology-driven world.”
“In embracing technology and entrepreneurship, we are opening doors to endless possibilities for our students. We are preparing them to be leaders, innovators, and change makers who will shape the future of Ghana and beyond,” she added.
Ambassador Gina Blay reiterated her personal commitment to the growth and success of the schools and called on alumni and all stakeholders to ensure that OLA SHS continues to be a beacon of excellence and nurturer of leaders for many more years to come.
“Let us unite in our shared vision, where every student is empowered to achieve their fullest potential. Together, we can ensure that the legacy of OLA Senior High School not only endures but strives, creating a brighter further for our students, our community, and our nations,” she said.
Achievements & Challenges
The Headmistress of OLA SHS, Benedicta Agbezudor, highlighted some of the achievements of the school including an overall performance of 77.6% (A1-C6) in the 2022 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
She said the school also won 2023 Best National Cyber Security Challenge in Accra.
She, however, indicated that the school is facing many challenges including lack of dormitories, classrooms, school vehicles, furniture, shortage in non-teaching staffs especially in the areas of the kitchen staff and security personnel.
She called on government and stakeholders in education to the come to the aid of the school.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak