Mr Charles Kwadwo Dziwornu, the Headmaster of Bodi Senior High School (BOSEC) in Sefwi Bodi, Western North Region, has expressed deep concern over the inability of more than 500 students to report to the school after placement.
He attributed the situation to the school’s Day status, saying it discouraged parents from enrolling their children due to security concerns.
He called on Mr Wilbert Petty Bretum, the Western North Regional Minister, to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to upgrade BOSEC to a Boarding school to help attract more students.
He made the call during the Regional Minister’s visit to the school as part of his familiarisation tour of the region.
Mr Dziwornu also pleaded with the Minister to assist the school to acquire enough classroom furniture for the students, adding that the current situation made it difficult for students to study effectively, especially ahead of this year’s West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
On other challenges, the headmaster mentioned the lack of staff accommodation, stating that no teacher or staff lived on the school’s premises, which negatively impacted academic supervision and discipline.
He mentioned infrastructure deficits, including inadequate classrooms blocks leading to overcrowding, as well as the absence of a computer laboratory and an assembly hall.
He, therefore, appealed to the Minister to take immediate action to address these issues to help improve upon the academic performance of students in the school.
Mr Dziwornu expressed joy at the Minister’s visit and described it as a historic moment for the school and a sign of hope for future development.
In response, Mr Bretum commended the teachers for their dedication despite the challenges they faced.
He acknowledged the difficulties of teaching in such conditions, stating that as a former teacher himself, he understood their struggles.
Mr Bretum assured the school authorities that he would take urgent steps to provide support, particularly in addressing pressing needs ahead of the upcoming WASSCE.
He also pledged to work closely with the Ministry of Education to upgrade the school’s status to a boarding facility.
After the discussions with the school authorities, the Minister toured the school premises to assess the extent of their challenges, while meeting the students to encourage them to take their studies seriously to secure a bright future for themselves.