The Headmaster of Presbyterian Senior High School, Bompata in the Ashanti region, Clifford Addo-Diabene, has renewed calls for urgent support to address critical infrastructure challenges, as the school marked its 60th anniversary.

Speaking at the celebration, Mr. Addo-Diabene outlined a number of pressing needs, including the lack of a dining hall, inadequate dormitory blocks for both boys and girls, insufficient classroom space, and limited classroom furniture. He also cited inadequate science laboratory equipment and computers, which he said are affecting effective teaching and learning.

A major concern, he noted, is student safety. The school is divided by a busy road leading to Agogo, forcing students to cross frequently without an overhead bridge.
“This situation is very scary,” he stressed, describing the daily risk faced by students.

He further highlighted the lack of staff bungalows, which makes it difficult to accommodate teachers on campus, a situation he said affects supervision.

A school shaped by history and resilience

Tracing the school’s journey, the headmaster noted that Presbyterian Senior High School Bompata has undergone a significant transformation over the decades.

The current site, which now hosts the senior high school, was originally a Presbyterian Middle School. It was later converted into a teacher training institution in 1965, known as Bompata Training College (BOMPATICO). However, in 1972, the college was phased out as part of a government restructuring programme.

Determined to sustain education in the area, the people of Bompata, led by the then Omanhene, Nana Kwaku Akowuah Brempong, petitioned the then Head of State, Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, and the Commissioner of Education, Col. P.K. Nkegbe, to convert the defunct training college into a secondary school.

The request was granted, leading to the establishment of Bompata Secondary School in 1973, affectionately known as “Big Boss.” The school began with70 students offering programmes in arts, science, and business.

After more than two decades, however, the school faced declining enrolment and risked closure until the Presbyterian Church of Ghana intervened. With approval from the Ghana Education Service, the Church took over management on December 3, 1997, giving the school its current name, Presbyterian Senior High School, Bompata (PRESEC-B).

Since then, the school has recorded steady growth in enrolment, staffing, infrastructure, sports, and academic performance.

Growing numbers, growing pressure, stakeholders step in, but more needed

Today, the school’s population stands at 1,728 students, comprising 1,061 girls and 667 boys. Staff strength is 136, made up of 89 teaching and 47 non-teaching staff, supported by a national service person and four student-teacher interns.

Despite this growth, infrastructure has not kept pace, placing increasing pressure on existing facilities.

Mr. Addo-Diabene acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders who have supported the school’s development. He praised the Omanhene of the Bompata Traditional Area, Nana Effah Appenteng, for facilitating the construction of a 400-bed capacity boys’ dormitory, currently at the roofing stage.

Several alumni groups were also commended including the 1983 year group which donated a new water pump, the 1990 group which established a sick bay and provided equipment, the 1992 group which constructed a girls’ toilet facility, the 1993 group installed a water system and the 1994 group furnished the staff common room.

Alumni call for future-ready education

Adding his voice, Old Students Association President, His Lordship Alexander Osei Tutu, called for renewed commitment to mentoring and preparing students for the future.

“We must mentor, guide, and empower the next generation of leaders. Let us acknowledge the challenging times and the need for adaptability. As Presec B looks forward, let us ensure our curriculum remains relevant, our facilities are state-of-the-art, and our students are equipped with the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing world,” he said.

He stressed the need to uphold the school’s core values of academic excellence, integrity, and service, while also addressing broader challenges such as inequality and access to quality education.

Mr. Osei Tutu urged students to remain disciplined and focused, noting that their time in school is preparation for greater responsibility.

“You shall not always be in your uniforms… in the next three years, all of you will be out of this physical space and be inducted into our alumni fraternity. How are you preparing and positioning yourself academically, morally, and mentally now to be able to carry it forward tomorrow?,” he said.

He also cautioned against behaviours that could derail their future and encouraged them to take advantage of opportunities in a fast-changing, and technology-driven world.

Call for urgent intervention

The anniversary celebration also paid tribute to staff, non-teaching personnel, and volunteers whose efforts have sustained the school over the years.

While celebrating six decades of existence, school authorities and alumni emphasized the urgent need for investment to improve infrastructure and ensure a safe and conducive learning environment.

They called on the Government of Ghana, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana, old students, parents, NGOs, and individuals to support the school’s development and help secure a better future for its students.