Governor’s Speech – Commissioning of Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools
Source: bank_of_ghana
Date: 2024-09-18

BANK OF GHANA SPONSORED PROJECT Accra Metropolitan Assembly Commissioning of 3-Storey 18-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities & 3-Unit Nursery Block for Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools Speech by Dr. Ernest Addison Governor, Bank of Ghana Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools Campus, Accra September 18, 2024 Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Ghana , Mrs. Rebecca Naa Okaikor Akufo-Addo, His Royal Majesty, Ga Mantse & President of the Ga Traditional Council, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Niimei and Naamei, The Minister for Greater Accra Region, Hon. Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, Former Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana , Rt Hon. Prof. Aaron Mike Oquaye, Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Mrs. Elsie Addo Awadzi, Board of Directors of Bank of Ghana, Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Hon. Elizabeth K.T. Sackey, Staff of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Heads of Department and Staff of Bank of Ghana, Officials from the Ghana Education Service, Distinguished Invited Guests, Students, Teachers, and Parents, Ladies and Gentlemen. Opening 1. Good morning, everyone. It is a great pleasure to join you all this morning to commission this ultra-modern 3-Storey 18-Unit Classroom Block with Ancillary Facilities & 3-Unit Nursery Block for the Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools . In recognition of the critical role adequate infrastructure plays in the delivery of effective teaching and learning and in the life of school pupils , this is indeed a significant milestone in our community. This landmark achievement also represents a major step in supporting government’s continuous efforts to p rovide adequate infrastructure in the educational sector to enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Background of the School 2. Your Excellency, the Bank of Ghana is proud to be associated with the commissioning of this edifice for the Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools. Founded in 1906 during the British colonial era, the Independence Avenue Basic Schools, was originally known as the Accra Government Girls’ School. 3. During the years 1940 -1944, my own mother and a couple of other Osu girls were privileged to have attended this school. The only surviving member who is still alive is Mrs. Barbara Oddoye, currently over 90 years old. In her recent autobiography, this is what she wrote about the school. This was a school where discipline was enforced but there was some sophistication and refinement at AGG, which turned girls into ladies who spoke fluent English and could hold their own in any social group. AGGS staged plays and pantomimes which the public was invited to come and watch. AGGS’ Domestic Science Department was designated to bake cakes and make other delicacies for the entertainment of the “great and good” of Accra who came to watch or bet on horses at the Horse Racing Competitions in Accra Race Course. As a result, many girls learned cake-making and catering under the supervision of Miss Adeline Ofori-Atta (later Mrs. Akuffo-Addo) and Miss Irene Quansah (later Mrs. Kofi) both of blessed memory. 4. During the post-independence period between the late 1950s and 1970s, the school was renamed Dodowa-Road Girls’ Middle School and expanded its curriculum to include Ghanaian languages and culture and became a hub for women’s empowerment and community development, symbolizing a progressive shift in the education of young girls in Ghana. Request for Support 5. Although one of the oldest public primary schools in the Central Business District of Accra with a total population of 778 pupils, the school had been in a deplorable state for decades, posing imminent danger to staff and pupils and adversely affecting teaching and learning. 6. Your Excellency, on 30th September 2019, the Bank received a request for support from the Independence Avenue “2” Basic School, through its Headmistress Mrs. Agatha Dzathor and the then Mayor of Accra, Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah, for the construction of a 3 - Storey 18-Unit Classroom Block and 3-Unit Nursery Block with Ancillary Facilities for the Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools, Accra. 7. You will recall that this was a period when the Bank was declaring significant profits. The Bank’s Board of Directors thought it fit to give back to the Community and granted approval for the project. The decision was to fully demonstrate the Bank’s social responsibility to the people in its immediate locality, in accordance with the Bank’s CSR Policy initiatives. Project Construction and Expected Gains 8. We believe this School Project will go a long way to instil a sense of pride and hope in the community. Today, we celebrate this important milestone in the annals of the Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools. A celebration of hope, progress , and a bright future for our children in this locality and beyond. 9. This project was not only undertaken to respond to the concerns of the pupils and teachers but has also afforded the Ghana Education Service and the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, and the Bank of Ghana a unique opportunity to collaborate for the greater good of the City’s business and commercial district. Conclusion 10. Your Excellency, Distinguish Guests, as we commission and hand over this infrastructure, it is the Bank’s expectation that Management of the Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools will commit to a rigorous maintenance culture to enhance the lifespan of the facilities for the present and future generations. 11. To the pupils who will walk through these gates, this school is your oyster, where your curious minds will explore, question, and innovate to reach heights higher than your forebearers. And, to the teachers, remember your dedication and nurturing of these young minds will contribute to making this school a place of excellence that will produce the needed human capacity for the nation’s workforce. 12. Let me finally express my appreciation to all who have made this project a success. To the former Mayor of Accra, Hon. Mohammed Adjei Sowah and the former headmistress Mrs. Dzathor thank you for the vision. To the current Mayor of Accra, Hon. Elizabeth Sackey, thank you for taking over th is vision and diligently seeing this project through to the end. To the AMA Project Team, GES Officials and Contractors – thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to this project. 13. On behalf of the Board of the Bank of Ghana, I wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to all stakeholders for the effective collaboration. Together, we are building a brighter future for our children, our community and our nation. Thank you very much and God Bless us all.