Ghana’s First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, officially opened the redeveloped Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools, showing a commitment to improving education facilities.
The school, located in the Asheidu-Keteke District of Accra, has a long history, being 118 years old, and has now been fully modernised through collaboration between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and the Bank of Ghana.
Key Takeaway
- The redevelopment of this historic school highlights Ghana’s commitment to improving education through modern infrastructure.
A Historic School with a New Beginning
The Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools was originally built in 1906 during the British colonial period. Over the years, it became an important place for education in Accra, especially for girls.
The school has now been fully renovated to meet modern standards. This project was made possible through a partnership between the AMA and the Bank of Ghana.
On 18th September 2024, the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, along with several notable figures, including the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, attended the official opening ceremony.
The project has transformed the school into a more modern learning environment, which will benefit students for many years to come.
Modern Facilities for Better Learning
The renovated school now features an 18-unit, three-storey classroom block, along with a separate three-unit nursery block. Both buildings are equipped with modern amenities to provide students with a high-quality education.
These include science and computer laboratories, libraries, staff offices, and a common room for teachers. There is even a playground for students and a beautiful garden, making the school a pleasant place to learn.
The First Lady stressed that the government has made education a top priority, and this renovation is part of that commitment. She urged everyone to think about the future of Ghana’s children, reminding the public that schools like these are crucial in shaping the nation’s development. She also encouraged the students to take their education seriously and aim for success, both academically and personally.
Contributions from Stakeholders
The First Lady was not alone in recognising the importance of this project. King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, expressed his gratitude to everyone involved, particularly the Bank of Ghana. He said the new school facilities are vital for the community and called for regular maintenance to ensure they last for many years.
Dr Ernest Addison, the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, also spoke at the event. He shared the school’s rich history, noting that it was once known as the Accra Government Girls School. His own mother attended the school, which makes this renovation particularly meaningful to him.
Dr Addison explained that the project was started after a request was made to the Bank of Ghana by the former headteacher, Mrs Agatha Ama Dzathor, and former Mayor of Accra, Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah. The request was approved as part of the Bank’s corporate social responsibility.
Dr Addison praised the collaboration between the Ghana Education Service (GES), the AMA, and the Bank of Ghana in completing this project. He also stressed the importance of maintaining the facilities to ensure they continue to serve future generations.
Dr Addison encouraged both teachers and students to make the most of the new resources available to them. He reminded students that education is their chance to explore, question, and innovate.
The Importance of Quality Education
Mayor of Accra, Mrs Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, also attended the event. She highlighted the theme of the day, which was “Quality Education in the 21st Century: The Role of Stakeholders.”
Mrs Sackey emphasised that providing quality education is not just the responsibility of the government but also involves the community, businesses, and individuals. She thanked the Bank of Ghana for its significant contribution to the redevelopment of the school.
Mrs Sackey also expressed her appreciation for those who had previously supported the school, including former Mayor Mr Mohammed Adjei Sowah and former Metropolitan Director of Education, Mr Stephen Abamfo. She assured everyone that the AMA will continue to work with the Metro Directorate of Education to ensure the school’s facilities are well-maintained.
Conclusion
The redevelopment of the Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools marks a significant step forward in providing quality education in Accra. Through the efforts of the AMA, the Bank of Ghana, and other stakeholders, the school now has modern facilities that will support students in their academic journey.
The government’s focus on education, as highlighted by the First Lady, shows a commitment to creating a better future for Ghana’s children. The community is hopeful that this project will inspire other organisations to invest in education as well.
