The First Lady of the Republic of Ghana, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, has officially commissioned the redeveloped Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools, a historic educational facility in the Ashiedu-Keteke Sub-Metropolitan District.
The event, held on September 18, 2024, saw a gathering of dignitaries, including the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, former Speaker of Parliament Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr. Ernest Addison, and the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey.
The refurbished school now boasts an 18-unit, three-storey classroom block and a three-unit nursery block, fully equipped with modern amenities such as science and computer laboratories, libraries, and a playground.
Speaking at the ceremony, the First Lady expressed her delight at the transformation of the 118-year-old school, which was founded during the British colonial era. She emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritizing education as a cornerstone for national development.
“This modern facility will not only provide quality education but also serve as a nurturing ground for future leaders who will contribute meaningfully to Ghana’s growth,” she stated.
She further urged the school management to utilize the new facilities effectively and encouraged students to be disciplined and strive for excellence in their academic and personal lives.
Dr. Ernest Addison, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, highlighted the historical significance of the school, originally known as the Accra Government Girls School. He recounted how it served as a center for educating girls, including his own mother and several women from Osu.
Dr. Addison commended the collaboration between the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Ghana Education Service (GES), and the Bank of Ghana, which brought the project to fruition. He stressed the need for a rigorous maintenance culture to preserve the facility for future generations, noting, “The bank expects that the school’s management will commit to enhancing the lifespan of these facilities.”
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, reiterated the importance of stakeholder involvement in achieving quality education, as highlighted by the event’s theme, “Quality Education in the 21st Century: The Role of Stakeholders.” She expressed gratitude to the Bank of Ghana for its support and acknowledged her predecessor, Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah, and other key figures who played significant roles in the school’s redevelopment.
The ceremony concluded with a call for collective responsibility in maintaining the school’s infrastructure to ensure its long-term impact on the community.
