Re: Aggrey Memorial pay attention

The attention of the Management of Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Senior High School (SHS) and the Old Students’ Association (AMOSA) has been drawn to a recent publication alleging deplorable conditions in our alma mater.  

The publication under the signature mobile number 0502538479 specifically cites poor sanitation, severe dormitory congestion, water shortages, and an unclean environment.  

The alumni and management of Aggrey Memorial SHS find the publication unfortunate, unfounded and crafted by the writer and his or her collaborators to simply tarnish the image of the school and malign all the efforts of the school management, Alumni and PTA to ensure academic excellence and the well-being of all the students.  

While no institution is without challenges, the depiction of widespread unsanitary conditions is incorrect.

The school administration, in collaboration with stakeholders, including AMOSA and PTA, has consistently implemented structured sanitation programmes.

Regular clean-up exercises and supervised waste disposal systems continue to play an active role in maintaining cleanliness on campus. 

The said publication seems to spread a falsehood that the state of sanitation in the girls’ dormitory, particularly Katherine Aikins House, poses health risks.

The fact is that the old students of the house have refurbished the houses and provided new toilet and bathroom facilities.

Therefore, it is outrageous for anyone to suggest that students ease themselves around and in buckets.

The portrayal of a neglected environment does not align with the reality observed by recent visitors, alumni, and supervising bodies. 

Regarding dormitory congestion, it is important to note that the school has experienced increased enrolment over recent years, a reflection of its growing reputation.

While this has placed pressure on existing facilities, proactive measures are underway.

Temporary arrangements have been responsibly managed, and plans for infrastructure expansion are in progress, supported in part by alumni contributions.  

The supposed concerned parent also mentioned that dormitories in Aggrey Memorial are overcrowded, with students packed tightly together, which causes the spread of infections and further poses health challenges to students.  

Thanks to the PTA and government, the school has a new 2-storey dormitory for the boys and a complete dormitory complex for the girls.

The addition of these 2 facilities has improved the accommodation situation on campus remarkably.  

On the issue of classroom overcrowding and furniture shortages, it is again acknowledged that Aggrey Memorial’s student population has grown significantly in recent years, reflecting the school’s strong academic reputation.

However, this growth has been managed responsibly and transparently.

The school’s furniture situation was resolved long ago with the supply of close to two thousand desks, tables and chairs by the MP for the area, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu; the Alumni, the PTA and other benefactors of the school.

It can be safely said that the school has enough furniture for every student.  

The claim of persistent water shortages also fails to reflect the full picture.

The institution has invested in multiple water supply systems, including mechanised boreholes and storage facilities to ensure reliability.

Occasional disruptions may occur, as is common in many public utilities, but these are neither chronic nor ignored, and swift remedial actions are typically taken.

The claim that the school’s water tanks were routinely “locked” to prevent students from accessing water is misleading.

Any locking of water storage points on campus has been solely for security reasons during vacations or when it becomes necessary to repair any of the pump stations on campus.  

There has never been a situation where students have been denied access to potable water supply.

During periods of water shortages throughout the whole of the Cape Coast Metropolitan area and beyond, private water tankers are contracted by the school and PTA to supply safe water to the school.

Furthermore, the school, in addition to Ghana Water Company, has numerous water sources, including wells, mechanised boreholes, water tanks and others, dotted all over campus.

None of these is in a forest or anywhere hazardous to the students. It is, therefore, absurd for anyone to suggest that students trek through forests to fetch water.

The management and alumni would be grateful if the so-called concerned parent could show where the forested areas are in the school.  

Furthermore, it is important for the public to note that all legitimate concerns about student welfare have been raised and addressed openly through appropriate channels such as reports of the headmistress and comments by school prefects during speech days.

Other avenues are reports of the head to the school’s board; letters to the MP, GETFUND, the District Assembly through the District Directorate of Education and others.

Therefore, the article by the said concerned parent does not align with the facts on the ground.

In conclusion, Aggrey Memorial A.M.E. Zion Senior High School remains steadfast in its support, continuing to partner school authorities to address challenges constructively.

We welcome constructive feedback, but strongly reject narratives and attention-seeking individuals that misrepresent the situation and diminish the institution’s integrity.  

The school is proud of its 86-year legacy of excellence, as evidenced by its distinguished alumni and strong academic results.

The school will continue to work tirelessly with government and community partners to improve its facilities, but will not tolerate malicious falsehoods. 
 
By school management and alumni, 
Dr Dorothy Adentwi-Hayford and Dr Benjamin Otchere-Ankrah, 
Headmistress, Aggrey Memorial S.H.S, Cape Coast (0243153122); and President, AMOSA Global/Secretariat (0501577065), respectively.