Patricia Agoteba Anaba, the headmistress of Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS), has emphasized that her father’s influence played a crucial role in shaping her passion for education, ultimately leading her to where she is today.
Madam Anaba, whose father instilled in her a strong love for teaching from an early age, pursued a career in education, beginning her training at Gbewaa Training College.
Speaking to Mark Smith Ahumah recently, Madam Anaba highlighted how her father’s dedication and hard work inspired her to follow the path of a teacher, a profession she embraced wholeheartedly. Throughout her career, she encountered various mentors who further motivated her, contributing to her growth and success in the education sector.
“As the first daughter, my father wanted me to be a teacher, so I went to Gbewaa Training College. From the onset, my father tuned my mind towards teaching, and I inherited the passion from him. His hard work and dedication inspired me,” she said.
Despite her accomplishments, Madam Anaba faced significant challenges, particularly in her early years at Bawku Secondary School. She underscored that as she rose through the ranks to become assistant head and senior housemistress, she encountered resistance from male counterparts. At one point, she was bypassed for a senior role, which was a source of frustration. However, she chose to remain calm and followed the advice of others to stay composed in the face of these setbacks.
“I faced challenges, especially as a woman in Bawku Secondary School. Rising to the position of assistant head or even senior housemaster was not easy. The senior housemaster role has different categories, and the highest is senior housemaster administration. When I rose to that rank, I was sidelined. The headmaster at the time appointed someone far junior to me for that office. I wasn’t happy, but I consulted a few people who advised me to stay strong,” she recounted.
Her resilience paid off when she was later posted to Bawku Secondary Technical School as the assistant head of administration. There, she left an indelible mark, particularly in the Home Economics department, where she served as head of the department. She transformed the department, increased enrollment, and achieved a remarkable 100% pass rate for her students in examinations.
“I can confidently say that wherever I go, I leave a mark. I left a mark in Bawku Secondary School that remains to this day. I started with them, they wrote the exam, and they had 100% success—not because I was in the exam hall with them, but because I taught them well in the classroom.”
Madam Anaba is passionate about dispelling misconceptions surrounding Home Economics, stressing that the subject is not just about cooking or sewing but also involves scientific principles, including chemistry.
She challenges the belief that Home Economics is a course for students with lower grades, advocating for its academic rigor and value.
“There is a misconception that Home Economics is for students with weaker grades. That is not true. It is a science course, and if you lack the foundation, you will struggle. It’s not just about cooking and eating, nor is it simply about sewing. Even clothing and textiles involve chemistry,” she explained.
“We need to stop thinking that Home Economics is for low-performing students and that it is an expensive course. It is a vital field that requires academic discipline.”
Reflecting on her career, Madam Anaba expresses no regrets about her teaching journey. She takes pride in the success of her students, many of whom continue to celebrate her impact. Her message to fellow educators is clear: be truthful, firm, and fair in your work.
“In your career, be truthful, be firm, and be fair,” she advised.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Ghana
