Authorities of OKESS express concern about encroachment

Kumasi, Oct. 22, GNA - Authorities of Osei Kyeretwie Secondary School (OKESS) in Kumasi have expressed concern about increase in encroachment on the school's land with over 200 private buildings in various stages of development.

Mr Kwadwo Opuni-Boachie, Headmaster of the school who expressed the concern said 'It is strange that all the unauthorised structures were expected to be demolished.

While they existed new structures were being developed daily at the expense of education for future generation.'

Mr Opuni-Boachie was speaking at the launching of the 70th anniversary celebration of the school in Kumasi.

OKESS formerly called Asante Collegiate was the first secondary school to be established in Kumasi and Ashanti region in 1937. The theme for the celebration is 93Promoting Quality Education through Discipline and Infrastructure Development'.

The occasion also marked the first speech and prize-giving day and inauguration of a 300 million-cedi three-classroom block donated by the Old Students' Association.

He noted that the school's land of about 68 hectares being encroached upon had been gazetted and the only co-educational boarding school in the country without a dormitory for boys.

Mr Opuni-Boachie said for about 36 years, the school was the only senior secondary school in the country that operated from two distinct campuses at Dichemso and Old Tafo eight kilometres apart.

He said other problems facing the school were accommodation for staff, provision of potable water and transportation.

Mr Kwame Ampofo-Twumasi, Deputy Minister of Education, Science and Sports, launching the anniversary celebration assured the school authorities that efforts would be made with stakeholders to enhance rapid development of the school.

He commended the old students for their efforts to support the development of their alma mater.

Dr Kwabena Opoku-Adusei, President of OKESS Old Students Association, said the girls' dormitory being undertaken by the association would be completed soon. GNA