The Assistant Headmaster of Ebenezer Senior High School (Padua), Mr Pius Yaw Osei, has called on the government and the school’s alumni to intervene in tackling the severe infrastructure deficit bedeviling the school.
According to him, the lack of infrastructure and other resource was hampering the delivery of quality education as well as hindering academic performance at the school.
“Science, ICT, home economics, and visual arts departments all lack the tools and spaces they need. Our students deserve better. We don’t have enough classrooms, and some of the existing ones are in poor condition
with leaking roofs and broken windows,” Mr Osei said.
Speaking at the launch of the 2000 Year Group’s anniversary celebration, Mr Osei revealed that the school lacks a functioning science laboratory, though it offers a general science programme.
The old lab was demolished due to structural issues, and construction of a replacement began nearly a decade ago but has since been abandoned.
The headmaster also raised concerns about the lack of boarding facilities, which he said contributed to chronic lateness and truancy.
He stressed that many students commuted from distant areas like Kasoa in the Central Region and Dodowa, often spending up to GH¢50 daily on transportation. Others live in informal hostels near the school under unsafe conditions.
“We need boarding facilities to ease the burden on parents and ensure our students have a safe and stable learning environment,” he lamented.
Mr Osei praised the efforts of the 2000 Year Group and other alumni who have supported classroom and washroom renovations, but stressed that much more is needed.
“We are appealing, especially to alumni abroad, the government, and private sector partners to help us bridge these gaps,” Mr Osei added.
The President of the 2000 Year Group, Mr Samuel Amoah, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to supporting the development of their alma mater and called on fellow alumni to actively contribute to the school’s progress.
He unveiled a comprehensive set of activities designed to give back to the school as part of a broader legacy development project.
He further indicated that, planned activities include mentorship sessions for current students, a career guidance seminar, a health screening exercise for both staff and students, and the donation of essential educational materials.
Moreover, Mr Amoah emphasised the importance of alumni involvement in shaping the future of the institution, urging all past students to contribute in any way they can toward the school’s continued growth and improvement.
The school established in 1941, Ebenezer SHS, has grown into one of Ghana’s oldest and most respected second-cycle institutions in Accra, now serve over 18, 000 students.
Despite this legacy, the school is struggling to provide basic facilities essential for modern teaching and learning.
BY CLIFF EKUFUL