By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), March 20, GNA – Madam Benedicta Amata Mawunyo Agbezudor, the Headmistress of OLA Senior High School, has made a passionate appeal for infrastructure of the school to be expanded.
She explained that the school is getting extremely congested due to a rapidly growing student population.
Speaking at the school’s 71st Speech and Prize-Giving Day, and Silver Jubilee Celebration of the 1999- and 2000-year groups on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Madam Agbezudor revealed that the school’s current student population stands at 4,607, with 4,502 being boarders.
This, she said, has led to a severe shortage of classrooms, furniture, dormitories, and dining hall space.
Madam Agbezudor stressed that the overcrowded classrooms makes teaching and learning challenging.
She called for the construction of a 48-unit classroom block to ease congestion and improve academic conditions.
Additionally, she highlighted the abandoned Headmistress’ bungalow, which is 70 per cent complete but has been left in ruins, with part of the roof blown off by a storm.
She appealed to the Volta Regional Minister to intervene and ensure the contractor resumes work on the project.
The school’s transport system is also in a dire state. Madam Agbezudor lamented that OLA SHS has only two old and rickety 33-seater buses, with one currently at an automobile service center for repairs and the other barely operational and unable to travel beyond Ho.
“The maintenance of these buses and our aging duty post vehicle has become a financial burden on the school,” she stated.
The science laboratory is in urgent need of renovation and refurbishment, she added, calling on the government, alumni, and philanthropic organizations to help upgrade the facility to enhance science education.
On sanitation, Head Girl, Nana Abena Annorbea Antwire, in her report, echoed the infrastructural crisis, noting that no single facility can currently accommodate two batches of students.
She described the condition of the classrooms, dormitories, and furniture as overstretched beyond their limit, adding that even the washrooms are under immense pressure due to overuse.
Delivering a goodwill message, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Vice-President of the National Catholic Bishops Conference and Catholic Bishop of Ho, acknowledged that overpopulation in second-cycle schools is a national concern.
He pointed out that high student numbers negatively affect teacher-student ratios, character formation, and contact hours, making it difficult for teachers to provide adequate individual attention to students.
Despite these challenges, he urged the students to remain focused and strive for excellence, emphasising that OLA SHS remains a beacon of hope for young women making a positive impact in society.
Dr. Mrs. Edem Sabah Welbeck, Global President of the Past OLA Girls Association (POGA), announced that the alumni association is raising funds for a POGA Legacy Project— a 700-bed dormitory expected to be completed in four years (by 2029).
She also noted progress on the Mission House project, revealing that the ground floor has been completed. She urged all alumni to contribute towards the dormitory project to help alleviate overcrowding.
The 1999- and 2000-year groups, who were celebrating their Silver Jubilee, made significant donations towards the project.
They were joined in their efforts by other year groups, including 1985, 1994, 1995, 2005, and 2015.
The event concluded with a renewed appeal to the government, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to support OLA SHS in its quest to improve infrastructure and ensure that students learn in a conducive environment.
GNA
MA/BM