The Ministry of Education has indicated that Swedru Senior High School is under consideration for an upgrade from Category B to Category A status as part of efforts to ease pressure on top-tier secondary schools.
In an address read on his behalf by his Special Advisor, Prof George KT Oduro, at the school’s 67th speech and prize-giving day at the weekend, the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, said the proposed upgrade forms part of a broader strategy to redistribute enrolment across the senior high school system.
The anniversary was held on the theme: “Rising through challenges to greatness: 67 years of shaping leaders for national development.”
Addressing enrolment imbalance
The Minister explained that the initiative is aimed at tackling persistent oversubscription in Category A schools, despite limited capacity, alongside under-enrolment in Category B and C schools with available vacancies.
He noted that, with financial support from the World Bank, the Ministry is implementing a targeted investment plan to upgrade 20 Category C schools to Category B, and 30 Category B schools in underserved regions to Category A status.
Swedru Senior High School, currently a Category B institution, has a student population of 4,694 and a staff strength of 276, including 202 teachers.
Mr Iddrisu emphasised that inadequate infrastructure remains a major challenge as the Ministry works towards the full abolition of the Double Track System.
“This became pronounced during the 2025 computerised placement exercise. He explained that there were 93 Category A schools, with 76,537 declared vacancies, representing 10. 02 per cent of total vacancies, 259 category B schools with 248,607 declared vacancies, representing 32.54 per cent of total declared vacancies, and 604 Category C schools, with 409,238 declared vacancies, representing 53.57 per cent.
However, he indicated that statistics of first choice preferences revealed a strong bias towards category A schools, saying the upgrade would help reduce pressure on the current category A schools.”
Call for discipline and digital readiness
The Provost of the College of Education at the University of Ghana, Prof Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, called on policymakers and regulatory bodies to establish clear, consistent and enforceable disciplinary guidelines in schools.
He warned that failure to address indiscipline could undermine both educational quality and the future of the next generation.
He said if we fail to address the issues of indiscipline in schools with clarity, we risk compromising not only the quality of education but the very future of the next generation.
Speaking at the same event in Agona Swedru, he also underscored the need to adequately prepare students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital world.
He cautioned that without proper guidance, artificial intelligence could become a source of destruction, misinformation and academic dishonesty, urging parents to play an active role in guiding their children’s use of digital tools.
He also advised parents not to relinquish their role in instilling discipline and values in their wards to schools, adding parents must remain vigilant in the face of academic expansion to maintain discipline, safety and character formation for well-grounded students.
He stressed that if teachers felt unsafe, unsupported and unable to exercise appropriate authority, the very foundation upon which holistic education is built begins to erode.
Such conditions weaken the structures that shape character, instil values and promote positive student behaviour.
Prof Codjoe said, despite its challenges, SWESCO had trained several visionary trailblazers impacting their various fields of endeavour.
He paid tributes to staff and students who have worked to keep the torch of the school alive and urged students to embrace challenges, stay determined and work hard towards greater heights.
Support for infrastructure development
The founding Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies at the University of Saint Joseph Hartford, Prof Emeritus Joseph Ofosu, who chaired the function, announced the establishment of a fund to support teaching, learning and infrastructure development at the school.
He urged all stakeholders to work towards making the school a centre of excellence.
Headmistress appeals for support
The Headmistress of SWESCO, Golda Esi Andam, called for improved infrastructure, including laboratories, furniture and staff bungalows, to enhance teaching and learning as well as staff welfare.
In an emotional address, she thanked stakeholders, particularly old students, for their continued support and contributions to the development of the school.
She urged all stakeholders to unite to make the school greater, stressing that it was not perfection that defined service but commitment, integrity and sacrifice.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh