First lady inaugurates refurbished Accra Independence Avenue Cluster of Schools
 The First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-AdÂdo, yesterday, inaugurated the refurbished IndeÂpendence Avenue Cluster of Schools in the Accra, to boost teaching and learning in the 118-year-old educational facility.
She was assisted by the Ga ManÂtse, Nii Tackie Tsuru II, former Speaker of Parliament, Professor Aaron Mike Oquaye, Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Ernest Addison, and Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Mrs Elizabeth Sackey.
The redevelopment of the school, funded by the AMA and the Bank of Ghana, aims to imÂprove access to quality education in the capital.
The upgraded infrastructure includes an 18-unit, three-storey classroom block and a three-unit nursery block, fully equipped with modern amenities such as two libraries , two science and computÂer laboratories, a staff common room, offices, and a horticultural garden, an astroturf playground for students, canteen, among others.
Established in 1906, the educaÂtional facility, located in the central business district (CBD) comprises three basic schools: Independence Avenue 1 and 2, and Bishop Boys/ Mixed Primary, with a total student population of 778.
Addressing the gathering, Mrs Akuffo-Addo stated that the construction was the kind of spirit required by stakeholders to ensure citizens were provided with quality education, which is the most critiÂcal component of the country.
She said investment in education would help lay a solid foundation for the next generation, which the government was committed to, through its free Senior High School policies, evident by the sigÂnificant enrollments in the various schools.
The First Lady urged the heads and teachers of the school to put the edifice to proper use and also urged the pupils to make good use of the facility provided for their development.
Furthermore, she noted that the government was committed to ensuring that schools across the country were provided with similar or improved edifices that would help ensure a conducive learning environment for teachers and students.
On behalf of the people, the Ga Mantse expressed gratitude to the AMA, the Bank of Ghana, and all stakeholders who played a significant role in ensuring that the redevelopment of the school became fruitful.
He appealed for more facilities to be constructed in order to imÂprove quality teaching and learning in the Capital and pledged that the Ga state was ready for a collaboraÂtion towards the construction of similar edifices across the region.
Dr Addison, on his part, said the Bank supported the project because although the school, with a population of 758 was located in the central business district and it lacked basic infrastructure thereby hindering academic work.
He urged the management of the school to practice good mainteÂnance practices.
Professor Oquaye commended the Bank of Ghana for supporting the development of the school and other educational and health projects in the country.
Mrs Sackey noted that the new facility would not only improve teaching and learning but also exÂtend school contact hours between teachers and students.
She assured that her office, in partnership with the Metropolitan Directorate of Education and other stakeholders, would ensure the proper maintenance of the new facilities to serve generations to come
She emphasised the historical and cultural importance of the school, stating that, “By upgrading one of the oldest public instituÂtions in Accra, we are investing in the future of education in the city.
She called on all stakeholders, government, private sector, and community to help sustain educaÂtional development.
BY BERNARD BENGHAN
