Some of the Students. INSET: The Headmistress of Gwiraman Senior High School (SHS), Ernestina Kankam
The Headmistress of Gwiraman Senior High School (SHS), Ernestina Kankam, says the lack of accommodation for both staff and students is a major challenge facing the school.
Gwiraman SHS is one of the community day schools commissioned by former President John Dramani Mahama during his tenure.
“Our school does not have a single accommodation for staff, including the head of the school, and this leaves much to be desired,” she indicated.
She pointed out that most students and staff come from various parts of the country.
Ms Kankam added that they are compelled to rent houses in places that are not convenient.
The headmistress enumerated the challenges of the school during the maiden Speech and Prize Giving Day of the school on the theme, “The role of stakeholders in promoting academic excellence in developing schools.”
The school has about 918 students and 60 teaching staff.
The maiden Speech and Prize Giving Day attracted high profile personalities such as Member of Parliament (MP) for the area, Catherine Afeku, Deputy Western Regional Minister, Gifty Eugenia Kusi, as well as the Board chairman of the school, J.C Quansah.
The colourful event featured performance from the School’s Cadet Corps, Cultural and the drama troupe and the school’s choir.
The event, which was held at the school’s premises, saw some students receiving awards for their brilliant academic performance for the year.
“The school is in dire need of extra pickups and mini buses to for errands and other emergencies especially when the headmistress is on official trip with the only pickup,” she added.
She indicated that the school needs a generating plant and solar systems to support the national electricity since there are many electricity glitches which stifle smooth administrative operations.
She also revealed that the Home Economics Department of the school needs furniture, two deep freezers, two big fridges, 10 cookers with ovens, cooking utensils, sinks, working tables and stools, among others.
Speaking at the event, the MP for the area, Mrs Afeku charged all stakeholders of the school to give off their best and make it an elite SHS in the country.
“Government is committed to laying a strong foundation for our children, and as part of the free SHS policy we are sure that quality education won’t be sacrificed,” she added.
“I will encourage parents to take advantage of the Free SHS policy introduced by government to enroll their children into Senior High Schools.”
From Emmanuel Opoku, Bamiankor