Accra: Mr Saviour Yao Zikpi, Headmaster of Atomic Hills Basic One and Two Schools, has appealed for urgent infrastructural support to address challenges arising from over-enrolment, sanitation constraints, and limited access to sports facilities.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Zikpi made the appeal during the school's 30th anniversary durbar, held on Saturday at the school's premises in Accra, under the theme 'Three Decades of Excellence: Empowering Young Minds, Enriching Lives.' He emphasized that the school's rising popularity and strong academic performance have stretched existing facilities, necessitating expansion to maintain the quality of education.
The Headmaster revealed that the current enrolment is 2,830 pupils, consisting of 1,412 boys and 1,418 girls, supported by a team of 71 teachers, national service personnel, and teaching practice students. He expressed concerns about the increased teacher workload and its impact on classroom management, urging stakeholders to assist in expanding the infrastructure to meet the growing demand.
Sanitation issues were also highlighted, with Mr. Zikpi pointing out that irregular refuse collection by the Ga East Municipal Assembly and other service providers is hampering effective waste management on the school premises. Additionally, he addressed the prolonged delay in completing an AstroTurf project on the school field, which has deprived pupils of a safe space for sports and training.
The anniversary celebration gathered educational officials, traditional leaders, parents, alumni, and pupils to commemorate three decades of academic achievement and to rally collective support for the school's continued growth and standards. Mr. Eric Sey, the Municipal Director of Education for Ga East, commended the school for its excellence and influence on the community since its establishment in 1995, labeling it 'one of the best schools in Ga East.'
Mr. Yaw Acheampong Adjei, an alumnus and guest speaker, retraced the school's journey from its modest beginnings to its status as a leading public basic school. He called on former students, parents, and corporate entities to contribute to infrastructure development and mentorship programs.
Atomic Hills Estate Demonstration School was founded in September 1995 by the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) with an initial enrolment of 21 pupils and four staff. It was later taken over by the government and divided into two schools to enhance management and accommodate increasing enrolment.