<<Print>>The Most Reverend Francis Lodonu, Bishop of the Ho Diocese of the Catholic Church, has called for a stop to “protocol” admissions towards easing the congestion in the OLA Girls Senior High School, at Ho.
Bishop Lodonu described the situation on the OLA campus as “a little space with limited facilities for 1600 girls”.
Bishop Lodonu gave the “directive” at the 61st Speech and Prize-Giving Day of the School under the theme, “The Role of Science and Technology in Girls’ Education: A tool for National Development”.
The event was sponsored by the 1989 year group of students.
To an observer, except for the green lawn and car park in front of the Administration block, the Assembly hall, some green patches in that vicinity, including an area earmarked for a playing field, there is no “unoccupied” space in the school.
All buildings in the school have been sited too close to each other, raising questions regarding space for future expansion of facilities to accommodate the ever-increasing student population.
At the ceremony, a total of 87 prizes were awarded to students and staff who excelled in academic and moral standards, extra-curricular activities, and also to staff for meritorious service.
Bishop Lodonu urged old students to visit their alma mater frequently, interact, mentor and motivate students and staff to discover and develop their potentials fully.
He commended the 1989 year group for sponsoring the event and other forms of support to improve the image and standing of the school. In her report, Mrs Benedicta Afesi, the headmistress, complained about the challenging infrastructure situation resulting in congestion in classrooms and dormitories.
“For effective teaching and learning, student population in a class should not exceed 40,” she said. “We are appealing to the Government to speedily complete the 12-unit classroom block started two years ago.”
“The old dormitory block awarded for renovation… has stalled for almost three years. We appeal to the Government to release funds for its completion.”
The school also lacked a playing field, thus compelling students and teachers to trek about two kilometres to the Ho Sports Stadium for sporting events, she said.
“A project to convert a piece of land into a playing field by the Parent Teacher Association has also stalled, for which we are appealing to government for support to complete,” Mrs Afesi said.
Miss Martha Enyonam Osroade, the Head Prefect, said discipline and academic performance had been on the upswing rendering the Disciplinary Committee redundant.
“For the high level of protégés we have as teachers, who teach extra hours for free, coupled with a bunch of punctual and disciplined students, I want you to watch out for this year’s WASSCE candidates,” Miss Osroade said with confidence.