Tema: Our Lady of Mercy Senior High School (OLAMS) in Tema has commemorated its 25th anniversary with a speech and prize-giving day, reflecting on a legacy of educational excellence. The event, themed ‘Twenty-Five Years of Quality Catholic Educational Transformation: Celebrating the Present and Embracing the Future with Hope’, marked a significant milestone for Our Lady of Mercy Senior High School.
According to Ghana News Agency, special awards were presented to deserving students, staff, and stakeholders, celebrating their contributions to the school. Mr. Peter Obeng-Tweneboah, the Headmaster for Our Lady of Mercy SHS, in a welcome address, provided insights into the school’s current state and future aspirations. He noted that OLAMS was the youngest among all the Catholic Senior High Schools in Ghana, with a student population of 1,186.
The headmaster stated that the academic affairs of the school were effective despite some challenges. “Despite our problems such as inadequate classrooms, students’ lateness, and security issues, our academic affairs are effective,” he said. He also expressed gratitude to the Member of Parliament (MP) for Tema East, Mr. Isaac Ashai Odamten, for renovating the ICT lab and providing approximately 50 computers for the students.
Master Nathaniel Xorlasi Aklasu, the Head Prefect, highlighted several challenges and areas for improvement within the school, reflecting the students’ perspective on their educational environment. Master Aklasu emphasized the need for enhanced boarding and hostel facilities. “Some students come from far places like Prampram, Kpone and others, which results in their lateness and tiredness from a long drive and also a reduction of their learning time,” he said. He called for the provision of safe and reliable transport for students and staff, adding, “A new bus or pickup would facilitate various school activities and improve overall accessibility.”
Mr. Edward Fokuo Kyei, the Chief Executive Officer for Glico Group and the guest speaker for the event, acknowledged the teachers for their role in inspiring and molding the students’ characters. Mr. Kyei urged the students to let their leadership shine through their character and not through noisemaking, reminding them that greatness was earned, not waited for.
Mr. James Enu, the Member of Parliament for Tema West, highlighted the government’s commitment to quality education, as promised, along with the Free SHS initiative. Mr. Enu also mentioned that teachers’ welfare in the school was being addressed, specifically in terms of accommodation.
Mrs. Bernice Ofori, the Tema Metro Education Director, emphasized the importance of the school staff empowering students with peace and love. Most Reverend John Kobina Louis, the Auxiliary Bishop of Accra, assured that the future of OLAM SHS was very bright, provided all stakeholders cooperate and collaborate. Rev Louis noted that people often considered Catholic schools as government schools, appealing to the government to retract that assumption and give Catholic schools the right reputation they deserve.