By Joyce Kantam Kolamong
The First Lady, Mrs Lordina Mahama, has launched the 65th anniversary celebrations of Ghana Senior High School (GHANASCO) in Tamale. She encouraged everyone to use the occasion to recommit to the alma mater, reflect on its progress, and consider the potential for future advancement.
The launch was attended by the Minister of Education and MP for Tamale South, Haruna Iddrisu; Deputy Minister of Roads and Highways and MP for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhiyini; Minister of Energy and Green Transition, John Jinapor; and the Comptroller-General of Immigration, Samuel Basintale Amadu, among other dignitaries.
Ghana Senior High School was established by Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, in 1960 as one of the Ghana Education Trust Schools. It was initially called “Ghana College”. The school attracted experienced educators from around the world, including its first headmaster, Mr Kenneth Luther Purser from Jamaica, and Mr Lalaji from India. In 1970, Mr Lalaji, together with Mr A. A. Dramanu and some science students, launched a rocket.
Mr Dramanu, then a chemistry teacher, later became Headmaster from 1990 to 1991.
From its modest beginnings with 70 male students, the school has grown to 4,448 students, supported by 158 teaching staff and 53 non-teaching staff. GHANASCO now offers six academic programmes: General Arts, General Science, Home Economics, Agricultural Science, Business, and Visual Arts.
The school was founded to bridge the human capacity gap between northern and southern Ghana. Its alumni have gone on to contribute significantly in various sectors, including former President John Dramani Mahama.
The current Headmaster, Mr Douglas Haruna Yakubu, said the journey of President Mahama from the school’s classrooms to the presidency stands as a powerful testament to the quality of education and character formation GHANASCO provides. He commended Mrs Mahama for funding a 600-capacity girls’ dormitory named “Lordina House” to address accommodation needs.
Despite its successes, the school continues to face challenges, including the lack of an assembly hall, inadequate classrooms, and a library.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu praised the contributions of President Mahama and his wife to the school. He announced that plans to construct an assembly hall were well advanced, with the project set to be advertised within 14 days. He also said the government would soon distribute furniture to schools across the country.
Mr Iddrisu expressed concern about growing indiscipline among senior high school students and called for stronger authority to be given to school heads, teachers, and parents to maintain order.
“Only a few days ago, I heard that unghanaian thing again of a 16 year old SHS student with a weapon when a search was conducted on him. To headmasters and others, we are giving you every power to conduct searches where necessary, randomize searches at the school level and we should strictly enforce discipline of students. Where necessary, don’t hesitate to dismiss students who are not keeping to the core values of the school,” he said.
Mrs Mahama said President Mahama viewed education not just as policy but as a transformative force in the lives of children. She said the government was investing in infrastructure in underserved areas, improving teacher training and welfare, and prioritising technical and vocational education.
She urged all stakeholders to use the anniversary to reflect and recommit to the school’s progress.
“Let us reinvest in this institution so that we continue to produce responsible, innovative and compassionate citizens. To our current students, you are part of our powerful legacy, you are walking the same path as President, Professors, athletes and entrepreneurs. To teachers and staff, thank you for your tireless efforts, you are the architect of the future. To our traditional leaders and parents, we extend our gratitude for your partnership, let’s continue to work together to build an equitable, excellence and inclusive system. I am delighted to declare the 65th Anniversary of Ghana Senior High School, GHANASCO, officially launched,” she said.
The First Lady also unveiled the anniversary cloth. The launch was held under the theme: “GHANASCO at 65: A Legacy of Excellence, Inspiring Future Generations.”
