Accra, April 28, 2025 —
The Assistant Headmistress (Administration) of Accra Girls Senior High School, Madam Gladys Lebene Kuetuadu, has called for urgent government intervention to address several challenges hindering the school’s operations, despite its remarkable academic and co-curricular achievements.
Speaking on behalf of the Headmistress, Mrs. Gifty Andoh, during a monitoring visit by the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education on Monday, Madam Kuetuadu cited inadequate washroom facilities, outdated science infrastructure, poor transportation resources, and limited internet access as critical concerns.
The Committee’s monitoring visit, scheduled from Monday, April 28 to Friday, May 2, 2025, is part of efforts to assess conditions in selected Senior High Schools and Private Universities in the Greater Accra Region to inform policy improvements in the education sector.
Key Challenges
Madam Kuetuadu explained that a stalled GETFund project has left the school with only 12 toilets to serve 615 students, raising significant health concerns.
“Our students are enduring severe washroom shortages because the GETFund project, intended to expand facilities, has stalled,” she said.
She also revealed that the school’s science laboratory—over 60 years old—is outdated and inadequate to meet the demands of the growing student population, calling for urgent refurbishment and expansion.
On transportation, she pointed out that the Headmistress’ official vehicle, a 19-year-old Nissan pickup, frequently breaks down, impeding administrative work.
“In terms of infrastructure, we need an expanded Assembly Hall, a modern library, and additional staff accommodation to enhance teaching and learning,” she added.
Touching on technology, Madam Kuetuadu lamented that many students are unable to effectively use their government-provided tablets due to a lack of reliable internet connectivity.
She therefore appealed for government support to complete the stalled GETFund project, expand and upgrade infrastructure, and provide internet services and modern facilities to boost academic excellence.
Strong Academic and Co-Curricular Record
Despite these challenges, Accra Girls SHS has maintained impressive achievements.
The school recorded a 95.4 percent pass rate in the 2024 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), with 83.1 percent of students qualifying for tertiary education.
In co-curricular activities, the school participated in the National Science and Mathematics Quiz, reaching the one-sixteenth stage for the first time in a decade. Students also performed at prestigious events, including International Women’s Day celebrations at the Jubilee House and the CAF Championship opening and closing ceremonies.
“We are proud of our achievements, but we need support to address these challenges and become the best school in the region,” Madam Kuetuadu said.
Committee’s Response
Alhaji Muhammad Bawah Braimah, a member of the Committee and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ejura Sekyedumase, urged other schools to emulate Accra Girls’ innovative use of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to develop staff accommodation.
Mr. Seth Vondee, the school’s Accountant, noted that the feeding grant has increased from GH¢5.20 in 2015 to GH¢7.50 as of January 2025, but operational demands continue to grow.
The Committee also urged the contractor responsible for the stalled washroom project to expedite work to alleviate the pressing sanitary needs of the students.
