EDUCATION

OLA SHS calls for urgent infrastructure expansion amid overpopulation

She explained that the school is becoming extremely congested due to a rapidly growing student population.

Speaking at the school’s 71st Speech and Prize-Giving Day and the Silver Jubilee Celebration of the 1999 and 2000-year groups on Saturday, March 15, 2025, Madam Agbezudor revealed that the school’s current student population stands at 4,607, with 4,502 being boarders.

This, she said, has led to a severe shortage of classrooms, furniture, dormitories, and dining hall space.

Madam Agbezudor stressed that the overcrowded classrooms make teaching and learning challenging.

She called for the construction of a 48-unit classroom block to ease congestion and improve academic conditions.

Additionally, she highlighted the abandoned Headmistress’ bungalow, which is 70 percent complete but has been left in ruins, with part of the roof blown off by a storm.

She appealed to the Volta Regional Minister to intervene and ensure that the contractor resumes work on the project.

The school’s transport system is also in a dire state. Madam Agbezudor lamented that OLA SHS has only two old and rickety 33-seater buses, with one currently at an automobile service center for repairs and the other barely operational and unable to travel beyond Ho.

“The maintenance of these buses and our aging duty post vehicle has become a financial burden on the school,” she stated.

The science laboratory is in urgent need of renovation and refurbishment, she added, calling on the government, alumni, and philanthropic organizations to help upgrade the facility to enhance science education.

On sanitation, Head Girl Nana Abena Annorbea Antwire, in her report, echoed the infrastructural crisis, noting that no single facility can currently accommodate two batches of students.

She described the condition of the classrooms, dormitories, and furniture as overstretched beyond their limits, adding that even the washrooms are under immense pressure due to overuse.

Delivering a goodwill message, Most Rev. Emmanuel Kofi Fianu, Vice-President of the National Catholic Bishops’ Conference and Catholic Bishop of Ho, acknowledged that overpopulation in second-cycle schools is a national concern.

He pointed out that high student numbers negatively affect teacher-student ratios, character formation, and contact hours, making it difficult for teachers to provide adequate individual attention to students.

Despite these challenges, he urged the students to remain focused and strive for excellence, emphasizing that OLA SHS remains a beacon of hope for young women making a positive impact in society.

Dr. Mrs. Edem Sabah Welbeck, Global President of the Past OLA Girls Association (POGA), announced that the alumni association is raising funds for a POGA Legacy Project— a 700-bed dormitory expected to be completed in four years (by 2029).

She also noted progress on the Mission House project, revealing that the ground floor has been completed. She urged all alumni to contribute towards the dormitory project to help alleviate overcrowding.

The 1999 and 2000-year groups, who were celebrating their Silver Jubilee, made significant donations towards the project.

They were joined in their efforts by other year groups, including 1985, 1994, 1995, 2005, and 2015.

The event concluded with a renewed appeal to the government, corporate organizations, and well-meaning individuals to support OLA SHS in its quest to improve infrastructure and ensure that students learn in a conducive environment.

 

Source: GNA

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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