Cape Coast, March 15, – Aggrey Memorial AME Zion Senior High School has celebrated its 86th anniversary with a renewed appeal for the construction of a 500-capacity girls’ dormitory to ease severe congestion on campus.
Dr Mrs Dorothy Adentwi-Hayford, Headmistress of the school, described the current conditions in the girls’ dormitories as overcrowded and unsanitary, noting that many students were compelled to share beds.
She warned that the situation posed serious health risks and negatively affected academic work.
“Looking at the numbers, the girls are slightly more than the boys, yet they share the same facilities. Despite support from the PTA in completing a new block, the pressure remains high,” she said.
She explained that a similar appeal was made during last year’s 85th anniversary, but the challenge persisted, necessitating renewed calls for support.
The celebration, sponsored mainly by the 2001-year group (AMOSA ’01), brought together students, alumni and stakeholders in a colourful event under the theme: “Building good leaders, shaping the future: The role of stakeholders.”
As part of their legacy project, the group handed over a modern 50-capacity ICT laboratory with internet access to enhance digital learning.
They also extended support to the Cape Coast School for the Deaf and Blind with donations including food items, toiletries and an advanced photocopier.
The event was climaxed with a durbar featuring a parade by the school’s cadet corps, musical displays by the regimental band, poetry recitals and cultural performances. Awards were presented to outstanding students, staff and six retirees.
Dr Adentwi-Hayford further appealed for additional infrastructure, including accommodation for 20 more teachers to improve supervision and discipline. She noted that only 38 staff currently resided on campus, compared to a student population of 5,773.
She also called for the expansion of the dining hall, which accommodates about 1,000 students at a time, describing it as inadequate for the nearly 5,000 boarders.
The Headmistress added that the school required a 28-unit classroom block to reduce overcrowding, with some classrooms holding up to 90 students, as well as an official vehicle to support administration.
Despite the challenges, she said the school remained committed to discipline, academic excellence and character formation, recording a 75 per cent pass rate in the recent WASSCE—an improvement over the previous year.
She cited achievements in the National Science and Maths Quiz, business competitions and sports as indicators of steady progress.
Ms Renita Nartey, the Girls’ Prefect, acknowledged improvements in sanitation and water supply but reiterated the urgent need for more accommodation for female students.
In a statement delivered on his behalf, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Member of Parliament for Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese and Minister in charge of Government Communication, reaffirmed government’s commitment to upgrading the school’s status through infrastructure development.
He indicated that plans were underway to construct teachers’ accommodation and expand classroom facilities to help eliminate the double-track system.
Dr Benjamin Otchere Ankrah, Global President of AMOSA, urged the District Chief Executive to prioritise budgetary allocation for the school’s infrastructure needs.
Dr George Nana Sam Mends, President of AMOSA ’84 and Guest Speaker, stressed the importance of nurturing responsible leadership, anchored on values such as integrity, service, resilience and accountability.
Mr Joseph Baffoe, President of AMOSA ’01, highlighted the importance of digital skills training, explaining that the ICT laboratory project was designed to prepare students for a technology-driven world.
He encouraged alumni groups to continue supporting the school, particularly in addressing accommodation challenges.
GHBUSS
March 15, 2026
No comments:
Post a Comment