By Jones Anlimah
OLA Senior High School in the Ho Municipality of the Volta Region has celebrated its 71st Speech and Prize-Giving Day with a call to champion female entrepreneurship as a driver of socio-economic growth. The theme for the event was “Championing the Cause of Female Entrepreneurs as Catalysts for Change and Socio-Economic Growth.”
The Headmistress of OLA SHS Ms Benedicta Amata Agbezudor,
highlighted the school’s achievements in both academics and co-curricular activities, including football, volleyball, basketball, athletics, music, and culture. She attributed these successes to the discipline exhibited by both students and staff. “The high level of discipline among students and staff has been key to our academic excellence and co-curricular achievements,” she stated.
She acknowledged the support received from the Past OLA Girls Associations (POGA), the PTA, and other stakeholders while expressing gratitude to the Government of Ghana. However, she highlighted the school’s pressing infrastructural challenges, including an abandoned headmistress’ bungalow, deteriorating school buses, overpopulated classrooms, and under-equipped science laboratories.
“Our classrooms are overpopulated, and our science laboratories need urgent renovation. We appeal to the government and philanthropic groups to support us in making teaching and learning more effective,” she said.
The Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, emphasized the crucial role of female entrepreneurs in national development. He noted that women-owned businesses are central to Ghana’s economic transformation, contributing significantly to job creation and innovation. “In Ghana, women make up about 44% of all entrepreneurs, one of the highest rates in the world. This is proof that women are not just participants in the economy; they are leaders and drivers of change,” Mr. Gunu stated.
Despite this progress, he acknowledged the barriers women face in accessing funding, mentorship, and business training. He called for increased financial support and investment opportunities for women-led businesses, urging financial institutions, government agencies, and the private sector to collaborate in setting up special funds for female entrepreneurs.
“If we are truly to champion female entrepreneurs as catalysts for socio-economic growth, then we must take deliberate steps to ensure they are given the tools, support, and opportunities needed to thrive,” he added.
The Chief Executive Officer of Flexy Foods Limited,
Mrs Lucy Afari, who was the guest speaker, encouraged young women to seize available opportunities in business, skill acquisition, and capacity-building programs. She urged students to take advantage of internships, mentorship, and networking opportunities. “There are so many opportunities coming up for women and youth. Grab them to acquire a skill or two. Go on internships, learn, volunteer, and prepare yourself to seize good opportunities that come your way,” she advised.
She further emphasized the importance of supporting women-led businesses, stating, “There is nothing as great as having our own people hyping and cheering us on. Support women-led businesses by patronizing, promoting, and referring them.”
As part of the celebration, outstanding students, teaching, and non-teaching staff were recognized for their excellence and dedication to the school. Prizes were awarded to students who excelled academically and in co-curricular activities, while teachers and staff were honored for their meritorious service. The recognition aimed to motivate students to strive for excellence and encourage staff to continue their commitment to the school’s growth and success.
The event also marked the 25th Silver Jubilee celebration of the 1999 and 2000 year groups, who were the main sponsors of the occasion. The school expressed its appreciation to these alumni for their continuous support.
The 71st Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebrated excellence while reinforcing the need to empower young women to become leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will contribute to Ghana’s socio-economic development.
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