Most Reverend Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi
THE CATHOLIC Bishop of Sunyani Diocese, Most Reverend Mathew Kwasi Gyamfi, has described the Free Senior High School (SHS) programme introduced by the Akufo-Addo government as undoubtedly the most beneficial and promising social intervention policy ever introduced in the country.
He said the programme would help develop the country in the short and long term. However, he indicated that the programme is highly expensive. He therefore called on all citizens including private and public organizations, philanthropists and all professionals in the country to support the government either in cash or in kind to make the programme a success, saying “it must succeed at all costs”.
Reverend Father Mathew Gyamfi said this when he addressed parents and guardians, tutors and other stakeholders in education, including chiefs and politicians, during the 40th anniversary celebration of St. James Seminary and Senior High School at Abesim near Sunyani in the Brong Ahafo Region on Saturday.
The event was under the theme: ‘Discipline and Academic Excellence in Senior High School- the Role of Religious Bodies in Ghana’. The occasion was used to celebrate the excellent performance of the school in recent times as regards the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The occasion was chaired by the Dormaa Omanhene, Osagyefo Osadeoyo Agyeman Badu II. Other guests who graced the occasion were President Akufo-Addo who was represented by the Sunyani East Member of Parliament (MP), Kwasi Ameyaw Cheremeh and the Asantehene, who was also represented by Tepahene, among other dignitaries.
Addressing the gathering, Rev. Father Mathew Gyamfi called for support for the Free SHS programme to succeed. He appealed to government to approve the proposed partnership agreement between the state and unit schools, adding that with support from the state the church or religious bodies can effectively reduce the current moral decadence in society through sound academic discipline in schools.
The chairman of Ghana Education Service (GES) Council, Michael Kenneth Nsowah, who was the guest speaker, congratulated the Catholic Church on nurturing St. James Seminary and SHS to emerge the best senior high school in the country during the WASSCE between 2013 and 2017 according to GES ranking.
“Out of 10 best senior high schools in the country, eight are catholic schools. This has become possible due to discipline emphasized by the catholic schools,” he stated.
He therefore urged all parents who cannot abide by catholic regulations to withdraw their children, supporting his appeal with the 1961 Compulsory Education Act, Section 22, which forbids missions to give preference in admission to people of their own denomination, but are free to give their religious instructions to those whose parents or guardians do not object.
President Akufo-Addo commended the school for its strict application of discipline and congratulated the tutors on the success chalked up by the school. On behalf of the President, the MP for the area, Ameyaw Cheremeh, donated GH¢2,000 to the school.
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FROM Daniel Y Dayee, Abesim