Redeveloped Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools inaugurated

The redeveloped Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools in the Ashiedu-Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District in the Greater Accra Region has been inaugurated.

The redevelopment of the 118-year-old educational facility saw the refurbishment of an 18-unit three-storey classroom block, a three-unit nursery block fully equipped with modern amenities such as science and computer laboratories, libraries, a staff common room, offices, a horticultural garden, and a playground for the learners.

The renovation was a collaboration between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Bank of Ghana.

Inauguration

The school was inaugurated last Wednesday by the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, in the presence of prominent personalities such as the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, former Speaker of Parliament, Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, and the Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Tawiah Sackey.

Also present at the event were a cross-section of chiefs from the Ga Mashie area, executives of the old students association, the clergy and assembly members, among others.

Mrs Akufo-Addo said the redevelopment of the school building was a step in the right direction as it would help educate the next generation of leaders in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  She added that the modern school would provide quality education and training for children to contribute meaningfully to the country’s development.

Mrs Akufo-Addo encouraged the students to remain disciplined and strive for success in their academic and personal endeavours.

Ga Mantse’s commendation

The Ga Mantse expressed gratitude to the stakeholders who played a role in the redevelopment of the school. Particularly, he lauded the significant role played by the Bank of Ghana in supporting the project.

He called for regular maintenance of the facility to ensure its long-term impact on education in the community.

Nostalgia

 For his part, Dr Addison highlighted the rich history of the school, which was founded in 1906 during the British colonial era and recounted how the school, originally known as the Accra Government Girls School, served as a centre for the education of girls.

He recounted how the Bank of Ghana received a request for support through the former Headmistress of the school, Agatha Ama Dzathor, and the then Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, for the construction of a modern classroom block which was approved through its corporate social responsibility (CSR).

The Governor lauded the collaboration between the Ghana Education Service (GES), the AMA, and the Bank of Ghana in bringing the project to fruition. He urged the management of the school to adopt a rigorous maintenance culture to ensure the longevity of the facilities for future generations.

Teachers’ responsibility

Dr Addison also reminded the teachers of their crucial role in nurturing young minds and encouraged students to use the school as a place to explore, innovate and reach new heights.

‘’The bank expects that the school's management will commit to a rigorous maintenance culture to enhance the lifespan of the facilities for the present and future generations. 

“To the pupils who will walk through these gates, this school is your oyster, where your curious minds will explore, question, and innovate to reach higher heights than your forbearance, and to the teachers, remember that your dedication and nurturing of these young minds will contribute to making this school a place of excellence that will produce the needed human capacity for the nation's workforce,’’ he said.

Acknowledgements

Ms Sackey commended the Bank of Ghana for its contribution and expressed optimism that the improved school infrastructure would significantly enhance education delivery in the area.

 The Mayor commended her predecessor, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, and former Metropolitan Director of Education, Stephen Abamfo, as well as Agartha Dzathor, a former head mistress of the school for their efforts in securing support for the school’s rehabilitation.