The Chief of Staff, Mrs. Fremah Osei-Opare, has underlined the government’s unswerving determination to make sure that the school environment is healthy and learning-inviting.

She gave the assurance all the rough edges - challenges that had come with the implementation of the free senior high school (SHS), would be smoothened to allow for effective academic work.

She was addressing the 70th anniversary and speech and prize-giving day of the Saint Monica’s SHS in Asante-Mampong.

The event was held under the theme “70 Years of quality girl-child education, fulfilling the vision of the Order of the Holy Paraclete, Whitby England”.

Mrs. Osei-Opare indicated that education was a major priority on the government’s development agenda and would therefore continue to receive strong support.

She encouraged the students to take advantage of the door of opportunity opened to them to work hard on their books to live their dreams.

It was important, particularly for girls, to have self-believe and refuse to be defined by stereotypes.

The Chief of Staff said that was the path to travel to become competitive in the job market - lift themselves out of poverty and to make their lives more meaningful to the society.

Mr Kwadwo Agyenim Boateng, Member of Council of State and Chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), spoke of the construction of a four-storey apartment building to accommodate teachers.

He added that on completion, it would house 24 teachers and their families.

He described the association’s contribution the development of the school as significant and cited the compound paving, supply of generator, provision of a borehole and wire-mesh fencing.

Ms. Felicia Osei-Manu, the Headmistress, said inadequate bungalows for teachers, congestion in the dormitories and the poor state of the school’s dining hall were their major headache.

She appealed to the government to act quickly to get these fixed.

Daasebre Osei Bonsu II, Omanhene of Mampong, highlighted the need to ensure effective supervision and said that was vital to enhance academic performance.

Deserving teaching and non-teaching staff, students and individuals were recognized with prize awards for outstanding contribution to the growth of the school.

The St. Monica's SHS, established by some Anglican Missionaries from England in 1946 with 16 female students, now has s student population of 2,146.