Queenmother rallies new Akoto Lante Cluster of Schools Committee to champion academic excellence and sanitation

The Queenmother of Asere Amartse-We, Naa Amorkor ShikaFutru I, has called on members of the School Management Committee (SMC) of the Akoto Lante Cluster of Schools to work collaboratively to establish a learning environment that empowers students.

She made this appeal while inaugurating 13 individuals to serve on the SMC on Thursday, 10 April. She stated that the committee’s aim was to promote academic excellence, creativity, and character development within the school environment.

As Chairperson of the newly inaugurated committee, the Queenmother emphasised the importance of shared responsibility. She urged all members to contribute their diverse perspectives and professional experience for the collective good of the school.

"I urge each of you to bring your unique perspectives, expertise and experience to the table. Let’s work collaboratively to create a school environment that is conducive to learning, growth and success," she stated.

Naa Amorkor ShikaFutru I outlined the committee’s vision, which she said focused on creating a learning environment that promotes academic achievement, nurtures creativity, and instils strong moral values.

She added that the committee’s strategic goals included developing policies to support student well-being, enhancing transparency and collaboration, involving stakeholders, and consistently assessing the school’s progress.

"Our vision is to create a learning environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity and character development. We aim to empower students with knowledge, skills and values necessary to succeed," she said.

She further explained that the overarching aim was to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and values they need to succeed, adding that the committee was committed to shaping the future of students and communities alike. She expressed eagerness to work with others to transform the school into a leading educational institution.

Oversight

The Basic Schools Coordinator at the Accra Metro Education Directorate, Ellen Adjaye-Gyamfi, noted that the Metro Directorate served as an oversight body for the SMCs, with the responsibility of ensuring alignment between school plans and broader educational policies.

She reiterated that schools belonged to the communities they served and considered the inauguration of the SMC a significant development. She expressed optimism that the newly formed committee would strive to meet the school’s educational objectives.

Mrs Adjaye-Gyamfi added that the SMC had the potential to positively impact school development by being granted decision-making authority. She said she was hopeful that, with proper empowerment, the committee could help schools reach their full potential.

Challenges

The Head Teacher of St. Mary's Anglican Church & Primary School, Reverend Patricia Essuman, highlighted that the school faced serious challenges related to basic infrastructure, including waste disposal, drainage maintenance, and water access — essential needs for safeguarding students’ health and hygiene.

She appealed to the SMC to prioritise these urgent sanitation and water issues, stressing their direct impact on student welfare.

Rev Essuman further noted the financial strain the school experienced in managing such problems. She explained that the school had to allocate substantial funds to maintain water supply and drainage systems.

She emphasised the importance of ensuring water availability for the school, given that children needed clean water to wash their hands and use sanitary facilities.

"You have to provide water for the school, because you are dealing with children. They have to wash their hands. They have to ease themselves," she added.