Ghanaian media personality Paul Adom-Otchere has provided details regarding the alleged forceful transfer of the headmistress of Swedru Senior High School (SWESCO), Golda Andam.
According to Adom-Otchere, the transfer of Andam was allegedly orchestrated by Queenstar Pokuah Sawyer, the Member of Parliament for Agona East.
Speaking on his Good Evening Ghana programme March 25, 2026, he outlined a series of events he claims led to the decision to transfer the headmistress.
He alleged that tensions began after the MP accused Andam of defending the Free Senior High School (Free SHS) policy introduced by the previous government. According to him, a viral video captured the headmistress cautioning students against taking money from their parents under false pretences, insisting that the Free SHS policy is indeed free.
“This headmistress was telling the students that some of you are lying to your parents and collecting money. In fact, the word she used was extortion.
“She said a parent had sent her information about certain fees and charges the child had requested, and she realised they were false. The Free SHS is indeed free, and that video went viral. It appeared she was defending the policy, and that was the beginning of her problem,” he said.
Adom-Otchere further alleged that the situation escalated when the MP visited the school and requested to transport students aged 18 and above to register to vote within the constituency.
He claimed the MP arrived with a vehicle branded in the colours of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), a move the headmistress reportedly opposed.
According to him, Andam insisted that while students could be allowed to register, they should not be transported in a politically branded vehicle and demanded that neutral buses be provided.
“She later went to the school and said, I want to come and take the 18-year-old students to go and register so that they vote for me. The headmistress responded that you can do whatever you want, but you cannot put them in an NDC car. That became part of her problem,” he stated.
“The headmistress said, I have taught at St Augustine’s, and I was assistant head at Wesley Girls. This will never happen in St Augustine’s; this will never happen in Wesley Girls. I don’t know why you want it to happen in Swedru Secondary School. You can take them to register but you cannot put them in an NDC-branded vehicle.”
He further alleged that the disagreement intensified, with the MP purportedly threatening the headmistress.
“She told her that when she wins power, she will show her where power lies. She wins power, and then she says, I am sacking you from the school. You will see what I will do to you.”
Adom-Otchere claimed that following the elections, the alleged threat materialised.
“And then the Ghana Education Service writes a letter to the woman that we are transferring you from Swedru Secondary School. I mean, that is the worst of it all, if that is how our education has come to,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Swedru Senior High School community has expressed dissatisfaction with the sudden transfer of Golda Andam, a move they believe may have been influenced by political pressure.
Andam, an alumna of the school, has been credited with leading a revival of the institution in recent years restoring discipline, improving academic performance, and strengthening engagement with the Alumni Association.
According to alumni sources cited by myjoyonline.com in a report published on March 10, 2026, her leadership was instrumental in rebuilding confidence in the school and attracting support for infrastructure and academic improvement projects.
However, her firm approach to school management reportedly brought her into conflict with some political figures in the area.
The Alumni Association indicated that the Member of Parliament accused Andam of disrespect on several occasions. Tensions reportedly escalated during the most recent senior high school placement process when the MP allegedly requested the admission of 52 students.
“Academic records indicate only five of the students had aggregates below 30, while the remaining applicants scored between 35 and 48, well above the school’s typical admission threshold,” the Alumni Association stated.
Andam reportedly admitted 42 of the applicants after sustained pressure but declined the remaining 10 on academic grounds. Sources allege she was subsequently warned that she would “pay for it” if she refused to comply fully.
Shortly thereafter, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service issued a directive requiring her to vacate her post by March 12, 2026.
The timing of the directive has heightened concerns among old students, as the school prepares for its Alumni Homecoming and Speech and Prize-Giving Day scheduled for March 20 and 21.
“Her sudden removal could disrupt preparations and the positive momentum the school has been building,” the Alumni Association noted, highlighting her close involvement in planning the events.
Alumni sources further allege that the MP proposed that the Constituency Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, a former teacher at the school, be appointed as the substantive head of SWESCO.
“This prospect has sparked significant concern among old students, some of whom have questioned the suitability of the proposed replacement,” the statement added.
Dr Frank Amoakohene clashes with Paul Adom-Otchere online
The Alumni Association described the development as “deeply troubling,” warning that it raises broader concerns about political interference in the administration of educational institutions.
Old students, both in Ghana and abroad, have begun consultations on possible steps to challenge what they describe as the politicisation of school leadership appointments.
The association emphasised that decisions affecting the leadership of the school must be guided by professional standards and the long-term interests of students rather than partisan considerations.
They reaffirmed their determination to protect the progress made at SWESCO and ensure that school management remains focused on academic excellence and discipline.
Further details are expected as stakeholders continue consultations in the coming days.
AM
Meanwhile, learn of the story of the man behind the iconic Akwaaba frames in Ghana:
Copyright © 1994 - 2026 GhanaWeb. All rights reserved.
