Jacobu Senior High Technical School in the Amansie Central District of the Ashanti Region has marked its 35th anniversary with a strong appeal to government, traditional authorities, alumni and other stakeholders to support efforts to address the institution’s growing infrastructure challenges.
The anniversary celebration, held under the theme, “35 Years of Empowering Generations through Academic Excellence, Discipline, and Creativity: The Role of Stakeholders,” brought together traditional authorities from Jacobu, Bekwai and Twapease, the Member of Parliament for Odotobri, the District Chief Executive (DCE), education directors, alumni, parents, teachers and other stakeholders.
The celebration provided an opportunity for the school to reflect on its 35-year journey of academic development and contribution to human resource development, while drawing attention to the pressing challenges confronting its operations.
Addressing the gathering, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Odotobri, Lawyer Anthony Mmieh, disclosed that he had formally petitioned the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) to facilitate the completion of an abandoned dining hall project which has remained unfinished for the past 12 years.
According to him, the completion of the facility would significantly improve the school’s infrastructure and provide students with a suitable place for dining, while also serving as an important assembly space for school activities.
He expressed concern about the prolonged abandonment of the project, stressing the need for urgent intervention to ensure that the facility is completed for the benefit of students and the entire school community.
The MP further disclosed that arrangements were far advanced for the provision of equipment for the school’s newly established sickbay.
He assured management that the necessary equipment was being finalised and would soon be commissioned to enable the facility to provide essential first-aid services to students.
The intervention, he noted, formed part of efforts to improve students’ welfare and create a more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
LAND ENCROACHMENT
Meanwhile, the District Director of Education, Elder Vincent Ben-Ameyaw, appealed to traditional authorities in the area to help protect the school’s land against encroachment.
He stressed the importance of safeguarding educational lands from unauthorised occupation, warning that such practices could undermine the institution’s future expansion and development.
He called on the traditional leaders to collaborate with the education authorities and school management to protect the school’s boundaries and ensure that the land remained available for its intended educational purpose.
On professional conduct, the Education Director announced a new initiative requiring teachers to sign a bond committing themselves against sexual harassment and other forms of inappropriate conduct involving students.
He issued a stern warning to teachers and other staff members against engaging in sexual relationships or activities with students, emphasising that such behaviour constituted serious professional misconduct and would not be tolerated.
According to him, any teacher or staff member found culpable would face the full rigours of the law.
He maintained that teachers were expected to serve as role models and protect the welfare, dignity and safety of students entrusted to their care.
INFRASTRUCTURE DEFICIT
For his part, the Headmaster of the school, Mr. Justice Joseph Osei Krah, painted a worrying picture of the institution’s infrastructure challenges, describing them as major obstacles to effective academic work and the overall development of the school.
He identified the absence of a perimeter fence wall, an administration block and adequate classroom facilities as some of the critical challenges requiring immediate attention.
According to him, the school currently operates with only 38 classrooms, a situation that creates considerable difficulties, particularly during examinations when students require adequate and well-organised spaces to undertake their papers.
He explained that the limited classroom accommodation placed additional pressure on the school’s existing facilities and called for urgent investment to expand the infrastructure base.
The Headmaster also drew attention to the deteriorating condition of the boys’ dormitory, which, he said, was experiencing serious leakages.
He warned that the situation could affect the comfort, safety and general welfare of students, particularly during the rainy season.
Mr. Osei Krah therefore appealed to government, corporate organisations, old students, philanthropists and other well-meaning individuals to come to the school’s aid.
He stressed that addressing the infrastructure deficit was essential to improving academic performance, discipline and the general learning environment.
STAKEHOLDERS’ RESPONSIBILITY
The anniversary celebration also underscored the important role of stakeholders in sustaining the achievements of the institution and ensuring its continued growth.
The presence of traditional authorities, political leaders, education officials, alumni and parents highlighted the need for a collective approach to addressing the school’s challenges.
Stakeholders were urged to renew their commitment to supporting the institution, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development, student welfare, discipline and quality education.
As Jacobu Senior High Technical School celebrates 35 years of empowering generations through education, the call for urgent infrastructure support remains central to its aspirations for a stronger and more sustainable future.
The school management believes that with the necessary support and collaboration from government and other stakeholders, the institution can overcome its current challenges and continue to produce disciplined, creative and academically competitive graduates.
