School management committee to tackle challenges at Akotolante Cluster of Schools

A School Management Committee (SMC) has been inaugurated for the Akotolante Cluster of Schools within Ga Mashie, Accra, to help address the pressing needs of the schools.

The inauguration, which took place at  St Mary’s Anglican Kindergarten and Primary School, under the auspices of the Accra Metro Director of Education and Ga Mashie Circuit, brought together school authorities, community leaders and parents in a call for collaborative efforts to improve the conditions of schools in the cluster.

Inaugurating the committee, the Basic Schools Coordinator at the Metro Education Directorate, Ellen Adjaye-Gyamfi, described the SMCs as a vital, important aspect of education and emphasised that the Metro would provide oversight to ensure all committee activities align with national educational policy.

“We see ourselves as the backbone of the SMCs. It is our goal that whatever they plan to do will contribute meaningfully to educational outcomes,” she said.

Key areas, collaboration

The committee is chaired by the Queenmother of the Asere Amanse We, Naa Amorkor Shikafitru I. 

Speaking on behalf of the committee, she outlined four key areas the SMC would focus on as policy development, stakeholder engagement, performance monitoring, and creating a culture of transparency and accountability.

“Our vision is to create a learning environment that fosters academic excellence, creativity and character development,” she said.

Naa Amorkor Shikafitru I also emphasised the importance of strategic collaboration and encouraged members of the committee to act with a unity of purpose. 

“Let’s work collaboratively to create a school environment that is conducive to learning, growth and success. Our children are the future, and this is our collective responsibility,” she stated.

Challenges

The head teacher of St Mary’s Anglican School highlighted some of the issues confronting the institution.

She stated that apart from infrastructural and operational challenges, the schools were also confronted with poor sanitation and lack of water.

She expressed the hope that the SMC would help tackle some of the challenges.

“We have dire water and sanitation problems.

Every two to three weeks, we have to buy water at a cost of GH¢400, and when the toilets get choked, we need GH¢1,000 to GH¢2,000 to dislodge the tanks. 

“We’re hopeful that this SMC will be part of the solution,” she said.