The Director of Education for the Suame Municipal Assembly, Pastor Dr. Nyamesem Poku, has revealed plans by the government to upgrade Andrews Adventist Preparatory (AAP) and JHS School, located at Maakro-Abusuakuruwa, into a model school.
Speaking at the school’s 25th Anniversary Celebration, Mr. Poku disclosed that discussions are currently ongoing between the Municipal Education Directorate and the Suame Municipal Assembly to garner support for infrastructural development, which will transform AAP into a modern centre of academic excellence.
“It’s our biggest aim to make AAP a model school to facilitate the education of our children and future generations. This will not only boost education in Suame but will also contribute to national development,” Mr. Poku stated.
According to him, the proposed transformation includes the construction of a fully-equipped science laboratory, an ICT lab, and a library conference facility, which would significantly enhance the learning environment and provide students with access to modern educational tools.
He praised the school’s leadership, particularly the headmistress, teaching staff, and the school’s committee, for their dedication and achievements over the years, which have elevated the school’s status within the municipality.
However, Mr. Poku used the occasion to call on parents and guardians, especially those taking care of children who are not their biological offspring, to take an active interest in their wards’ education.
“Due to the commercial nature of Suame, many children are living with guardians. I appeal to all guardians to treat these children as their own and provide them with the support they need to thrive academically,” he urged.
Also speaking at the event, headmistress Madam Alberta Peprah Acheampong reiterated the school’s commitment not only to academic excellence but also to vocational and technical education. She noted that AAP is focused on equipping students with practical skills to prepare them for the future.
She emphasised that the school’s goal is to nurture talent and self-reliance among students, enabling them to build careers even without necessarily pursuing traditional academic paths.
“Our greatest aim is to train the children in all aspects of education, especially in vocational and technical skills. We want to equip all students with the necessary skills so that, in the end, they will not become a burden to society but rather follow their talents and become successful individuals who contribute to the development of Ghana.” Madam Acheampong said.
Despite the progress made over the years, Madam Acheampong lamented the lack of adequate infrastructure and educational resources, which she said are hampering the school’s development.
“Our student population is growing rapidly, but we lack enough school buildings to accommodate them. Though we’ve been approved as a science school by the government, we still don’t have a science lab. The students are eager to learn, build robots, and explore science—but we lack the facilities and materials to support their ambitions,” she explained.
She further appealed to the government, private stakeholders, and philanthropic individuals to support the school with infrastructure, learning materials, and teaching aids, enabling it to fulfil its vision as a model school in the region.
The 25th Anniversary celebration brought together alumni, education stakeholders, community leaders, parents, and well-wishers to celebrate AAP’s journey over the past 25 years.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/Joseph Marfo
