Odorgonno Senior High School has marked its 86th Speech and Prize-Giving Day, calling on students to embrace discipline, integrity, and good character. Education leaders stressed that academic excellence alone is insufficient for future success. The celebration occurred last Saturday in Accra, under the theme "From Roots to Wings: Empowering the Learner through Rich Culture and Defining the Next Generation of Global Citizenship."
Professor Smile Dzisi, Deputy Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), spoke on behalf of the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu. She stated that discipline involves doing the right thing even when unsupervised. Professor Dzisi emphasized that character, punctuality, integrity, and responsibility, rather than just certificates, will determine students' future achievements. She commended the school's headmaster, management, alumni, and stakeholders for supporting quality education, noting that government alone cannot provide all necessary resources. Professor Dzisi also appealed to parents to assist schools in instilling discipline, asserting that character formation must begin at home.
This focus on holistic development aligns with broader national educational goals to produce well-rounded citizens. Ghana's education sector has increasingly emphasized vocational training and character development to prepare students for a dynamic job market. The government's Free Senior High School policy, implemented in 2017, has significantly increased enrollment, placing greater demands on existing infrastructure and resources across many schools.
The Ga Mantse's representative urged students to reject drug abuse, fraud, betting, and other social vices. He described education as "a ladder to progress" and encouraged serious study. The Ga Mantse also appealed to the Ministry of Education and the GES to ensure the continued teaching of the Ga language in schools located on Ga land. He announced plans by the Ga State to establish a Ga Language Centre and provide scholarships for brilliant, needy Ga students. The representative presented 200 packs of Soya Gari Mix, 50 packs of Choco Blast, and Puma tracksuits to the school's football team, donated by Twellium Industrial Company.
Mr. Patrick K. Mensah, Headmaster of Odorgonno Senior High School, acknowledged significant progress in academics, discipline, and infrastructure. However, he highlighted persistent challenges, including the lack of a science laboratory, congestion in the boarding house, and security concerns. He noted that support from government, alumni, and corporate bodies has enabled the school to transition to a single-track system. This was achieved through new classroom blocks, the rehabilitation of its central laboratory by Cummins Ghana, a new washroom from the government, and 40 computers via a World Bank project. Mr. Mensah, however, stated that the 40 computers are insufficient for the growing number of ICT students and requested additional support. He added that discipline has improved significantly due to the Students' Representative Council (SRC) leadership.
Professor Nii Tetteh Addy, a Professor of Physics and Maths and Guest Speaker, urged teachers and custodians to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) rather than resist it. He stated, "AI is here to stay," and advised educators to update their lesson plans to prepare students for a technology-driven future. He encouraged students to use AI responsibly to deepen understanding, not merely for copying information. Professor Addy pledged a donation of GHS 50,000 to support the construction of a larger classroom for the Visual Arts Department.
Rev. Dr. Lawrence Tetteh, Chairman of the school's Board of Directors, called on old students to actively support their alma mater. He emphasized that the growth of successful schools largely depends on alumni commitment. Rev. Dr. Tetteh disclosed that Odorgonno Senior High School has been nominated for elevation to Category A status. He explained that while the official announcement is pending, the school has met the necessary requirements and is undergoing inspections. He attributed the growing support for the school to effective networking among old students and stakeholders. Mr. Mensah acknowledged alumni contributions, including a transformer, 10 streetlights, transparent roofing for the administration block, and support for emergency projects.