MANCELL Headmistress Appeals to Stakeholders for Lab Equipment, Renovation Support During Board Inauguration

The Headmistress of MANCELL Girls Senior High Technical School at Oduom in the Ashanti Region, Mrs. Mary Donkoh, has made a passionate appeal to government agencies, philanthropists, old students, and private organizations to urgently support the school with science laboratory equipment and infrastructure renovation.

She made this earnest request during the official inauguration of the School’s Board of Governors held on the school campus, a ceremony that attracted education stakeholders, traditional authorities, parents, and members of the local community.

In her address, Mrs. Donkoh expressed deep concern over the lack of adequate science equipment in the school’s laboratories, a challenge that continues to affect effective teaching and learning in science and technology-related courses.

“Our girls have the interest, the talent, and the discipline, but they lack the tools. How can we train scientists and engineers when we don’t even have basic lab equipment? We are appealing to the government, NGOs, corporate Ghana, and all well-meaning Ghanaians to come to our aid,” she said.

She explained that as a technical senior high school focused on equipping girls with employable skills and academic knowledge, science and practical subjects form a core part of their curriculum, and the absence of laboratory resources poses a major setback.

In addition to the need for lab equipment, Mrs. Donkoh called for urgent renovation of the school’s infrastructure, including dilapidated classrooms, leaking roofs, broken furniture, and sanitation challenges.

“Our school infrastructure is in a poor state. Some of the buildings need urgent rehabilitation. We want our students to learn in a safe and conducive environment,” she added.

The newly inaugurated Board of Governors was tasked with the responsibility of providing strategic direction and supporting the management of the school in addressing some of these long-standing challenges.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the Board, who pledged his commitment to the development of the school, urged all board members to work together to mobilize resources and build partnerships that would benefit the students and staff.

“We have accepted this responsibility at a critical time. Let us work hand in hand with the Headmistress and her team to make a difference in the lives of these brilliant young women,” he stated.

The inauguration was graced by officials from the Ghana Education Service, representatives of the Oduom traditional council, Parent-Teacher Association executives, and other invited guests, all of whom applauded the leadership of the Headmistress and pledged their readiness to contribute towards the growth of the school.

MANCELL Girls Senior High Technical School has over the years played a vital role in promoting girl-child education, especially in the areas of technical and vocational training. However, the school continues to face major developmental challenges that threaten its vision of producing competent and confident young women ready for tertiary education and the job market.

Mrs. Donkoh’s appeal is seen as a timely reminder of the critical role that stakeholders must play in shaping the future of female education in Ghana.