The Daboase Senior High Technical School Headmistress, Irene Rebecca Ampaw, has called for urgent assistance to address severe infrastructure challenges.
Students currently attend classes in abandoned structures, including two incomplete blocks: a 45% completed 18-unit block funded by GETFund in 1995 and a 35% completed 18-unit block by Ghana Armed Forces Engineering in 2010.
Meanwhile, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has pledged government support, committing to help resolve the school’s infrastructure issues.
Established on January 28, 1991, the school commenced operations as a community-based day secondary institution, initially housed in the old Daboase D/A Primary School structure, with a modest enrollment of 5 students (2 males and 3 females) and a teaching staff of 3.
With unwavering commitment and diligence, the school has emerged as a hub of opportunities for countless young Ghanaians.
The current student enrollment stands at two thousand two hundred and eighteen (2,218), comprising one thousand and sixty-eight (1,068) boys and one thousand one hundred and fifty (1,150) girls, with a boarding population of one thousand six hundred and forty-three (1,643) students.
The institution is supported by a team of ninety-one 91 teaching staff and nineteen 19 non-teaching staff.
The institution demonstrated significant academic improvement, upgrading from Category C to Category B in 2020 following its fifth-place ranking in the Western Regional WASSCE rankings.
Further success was achieved in 2022 and 2023, with the school ranking first in the region with scores of 98.08% and 99.12%, respectively, highlighting its dedication to delivering high-quality education.
Irene Rebecca Ampaw, headmistress of the school said, “Our achievements are numerous and impressive. Here are some highlights:
Sports: Zonal champions in the inter-school volleyball competition (2024)
Competitions:
– 2nd place in the 66th National Independence Day Quiz Competition (2023).
– Regional champions in the Regimental Band competition (2023).
– Zonal Independence Day Quiz champions (2022), 3rd place in the regional competition
– 3rd place in the regional debate (2022)
Academics:
– Best school in Agriculture in Wassa East District (2023).
Top WASSCE rankings:
– 1st in Western Region (2023, 99.12%)
– 1st in Western Region (2022, 98.08%)
– 2nd in Western Region (2021), 1st in Mathematics
– 5th in Western Region (2020)
– National recognition: Qualified for National Science and Math Quiz competition (2019), featuring as a Category C school at the national level.” She listed.
Despite its remarkable achievements, the school faces significant challenges.
Key infrastructure deficiencies include, No Assembly Hall, No Dining Hall. Students are forced to use alternative spaces for meals, No Administrative Block.
The school has 60% completed girls’ dormitory funded by Wassa East District Assembly in 2010 abandoned, and 60% completed girls’ dormitory funded by GETFund in 2016 abandoned.
The Headmistress is therefore calling for immediate assistance from authorities to address pressing infrastructure challenges hindering the school’s progress.
“Despite the challenges, I remain hopeful for better days ahead,” Mrs Ampaw said.
The school faces numerous issues, including:
– Land disputes: Litigation over the school’s new site
– Infrastructure gaps:
– Lack of Assembly Hall
– No Dining Hall
– Insufficient Administrative Block
– Limited Dormitories for students
– Inadequate classrooms and furniture
– Staffing challenges:
– Insufficient staff bungalows/flats for teachers
Resource needs:
– Modernized ICT and Science Laboratory
– Functional Workshop for the Technical Department
– School Bus
– Additional support staff, including drivers, security personnel, and laborers.
“So, I am pleading with your support to assist the school,” the Headmistress pleaded.
During his maiden visit to the school, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson commended the teaching and non-teaching staff for their dedication to providing quality education and enhancing academic performance.
He pledged his commitment and government support to address the school’s infrastructure challenges.
“I’m saddened by the infrastructure challenges after 34 years, but I commend the Headmistress and staff for their dedication to the students. Despite the dire conditions, you’ve achieved remarkable things.
I’ve witnessed the kitchen’s state, and it’s concerning. I assure you, Madam Headmistress and staff, that my visit will catalyze positive change. We’ll work tirelessly to bring progress to this campus.” He said.
