Tullow Ghana Limited has provided a 14-unit dormitory block for Axim Girls Senior High School (SHS) in the Nzema East municipality of Western Region. The intervention aims to eliminate long commutes for students and provide a conducive environment for learning.
The scope of work covered provision of a fully furnished bungalow for a resident housemistress to facilitate supervision and ensure discipline.
Mrs. Cynthia Lumor, deputy Managing Director-Tullow Ghana at the dormitory’s inauguration said education is key to unlocking a better future.
“This is why in 2019 we committed to investing US$10million over five years in infrastructure for 15 Senior High Schools in support of Ghana’s Free SHS education agenda. This commitment has so far produced great results, with the building of 12 dormitory/classroom blocks for 12 Senior High Schools in the Western and Ashanti Regions.”
She added that: “Of the 12 completed dormitories, 9 – including Axim Girls’ – have so far been commissioned or are being commissioned; and we have a schedule to officially unveil the rest in the coming months”.
Mrs. Lumour explained that these buildings have the capacity to accommodate an average of 500 students each at any given time annually, solving a key accommodation gap in the nation’s second cycle education infrastructure.
“Our students are the future of this country, and we are happy to play a role in harnessing their creative, innovative skills and talent for maximum future impact,” she said.
She mentioned that Tullow’s focus areas of capacity building is through education and skills development in STEM; strengthening local and national economies; and developing shared infrastructure – “which will continue to influence all the initiatives we undertake in this space now and in the future in Ghana”.
“We envision a future wherein every child has access to quality education, regardless of their circumstances or place of birth; and we invite the community to join us in this mission, as we continue to collaborate and make a difference in the lives of young people,” Mrs. Lumor said.
“Take advantage of the limitless potential you have; study hard and expect good results,” she added.
Mrs. Rachael Aka Amai, Headmistress-Axim Girls SHS, commended Tullow for the unique edifice.
She said: “The infrastructure we have in the school has led to an increase of enrolment from 500 students a few years ago to over 1,040 this year”.
Academically, she said, the school is doing extremely well: “We are pacesetters and achievers, as in 2022 we were ranked 6th at the West Africa Senior Secondary School Examination (WASSCE) for the region”.
On extracurricular activities such as sport, she pointed out that the school is on top when it comes to zonal and regional competitions.
She humbly appealed for Tullow to construct an 18-unit classroom dormitory for the school.
Mrs. Hannah Agbozo, Head-Legal, Tullow Ghana Limited, on ‘Girl Power Talk’ advised students to work hard and take advantage of every opportunity.
“Be proud of who you are, believe in yourself as a girl who gets best grades; and be confident in yourself,” she advised
Awulae Attiburukusu III, Omanhene of Lower Axim Traditional Area – Founder of the school – explained that the school started with 22 ladies within the catchment area, and now boasts 1,000 students.
Tullow Ghana, he said, had previously constructed a dormitory block for the school, and commended them for their immense support over the years.
“Kindly support the school by constructing an administrative block, science laboratory and dining hall,” he appealed.
