Presec Bechem Headmistress Raises Alarm Over Overcrowded Classrooms and Resource Shortages on School’s 60th Anniversary
The Headmistress of Presbyterian Senior High School (Presec) in Bechem, Nancy Arthur, has called urgent attention to the school’s severe infrastructure and resource constraints during the institution’s 60th anniversary celebration held under the theme “60 Years of Impactful Education: Honoring the Past, Shaping the Future.”
Speaking to Adom News at the event, Madam Arthur highlighted how overcrowded classrooms are seriously undermining the quality of teaching and learning at the school, which currently has an enrolment exceeding 3,000 students.
“Many of our classrooms were originally designed to accommodate 50 learners, but now we have up to 70 students in some of them,” she explained. “This overcrowding makes it extremely difficult for teachers to deliver lessons effectively and for students to concentrate and participate fully.”
The Headmistress pointed out an abandoned classroom block that, if completed and commissioned, could significantly ease the pressure on existing facilities. She also appealed for additional computers to strengthen ICT education and new furniture for the assembly hall, which she described as outdated and inadequate.
The concerns come at a time when Presec Bechem continues to produce strong academic results despite the challenges, underscoring the resilience of both staff and students.
Responding to the Headmistress’s appeal, the Minister for the Ahafo Region, Charity Gardiner, and Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, National Coordinator for the District Roads Improvement Programme (DRIP) and a proud alumnus of the school, assured the gathering that help is on the way.
Madam Gardiner disclosed that the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) has approved 29 infrastructure projects across the Ahafo Region, including specific interventions for Presec Bechem. She promised that the abandoned classroom block and other pressing needs would be prioritised.
Mr. Vanderpuye, reflecting on his own time as a student at the school, encouraged current students to stay focused on their studies and limit distractions such as excessive use of social media.
“Prioritise your books and academic work,” he urged. “Social media should not take away the time you need to build a bright future for yourselves and for our nation.”
The 60th anniversary celebration brought together alumni, parents, traditional leaders, and education stakeholders in a colourful display of school pride, cultural performances, and reflection on Presec Bechem’s legacy of academic excellence and discipline.
The Headmistress used the occasion to renew the call for collective support from government, alumni, and the community to help the school overcome its infrastructure deficits and continue delivering quality education to the youth of Bechem and surrounding areas.
The announcements from regional and national officials have brought renewed hope to staff, students, and parents, who are now looking forward to seeing the promised projects materialize in the coming months.
