Patricia Agoteba Anaba, the headmistress of Bolgatanga Girls’ Senior High School (BOGISS), has expressed pride in how far women’s roles have evolved, particularly in Africa, where women were once confined to traditional roles in the kitchen and often lacked a voice in key decision-making. She emphasized that awareness of women’s rights and opportunities has grown, and this progress should be celebrated.
“I am proud to celebrate it because, in those days, especially in Africa, women were relegated to the kitchen. Even in meetings where women sat with men, we had no say. We only listened, and whatever was decided was what we followed. But thank God, times have changed, and awareness has been created,” she said.
Speaking recently to A1 Radio’s Mark Smith, Madam Anaba shared her thoughts on International Women’s Day, marked on March 8, and highlighted some ongoing challenges at the school she leads. She voiced concerns about the lack of female participation in leadership roles within the Upper East Region, citing the appointment process for Municipal and District Chief Executives (MDCEs). She questioned why women were not showing enough interest, despite the government’s promise of 30% representation, and urged women in the region to seize these opportunities to ensure that the quota is met.
“I’m also disappointed in women in the Upper East. When the appointment of MDCEs came up, I don’t know whether we were interested or not. And this is a government that has promised us 30 percent. If we don’t join the queue, how are we going to achieve the 30 percent?” she asked.
Meanwhile, Madam Anaba discussed the pressing issues BOGISS faces, noting that in 2021, a windstorm caused significant damage to the school’s roofs, and a similar incident occurred in 2024. Though efforts are underway to repair the damage, these events have exacerbated the school’s ongoing infrastructure problems, including aging dormitories in desperate need of rehabilitation. She noted that the dormitories leak when it rains, creating discomfort for students.
“We have old dormitories that need rehabilitation. They are leaking. When it rains, students are in distress. These are some of our major challenges,” she said.
She also highlighted concerns about the school’s sanitation facilities, pointing out that the current KVIP toilets, which students rely on, often reach capacity, making maintenance difficult.
Despite these issues, Madam Anaba remains focused on her students’ futures. She encourages them to take their studies seriously and reminds them that their actions in school can impact their lives later on. She shared her personal journey as an example, emphasizing that success comes from dedication, discipline, and respect for authority.
“I didn’t jump walls, so if you want to be like me, don’t jump walls. I was always submissive. I listened to my seniors, I listened to my superiors, and I did what was expected of me. I didn’t do what I wanted to do. However, where I was supposed to do the right thing and a superior wanted me to do the wrong thing, that’s where I resisted. So, you don’t just do what your superior wants; you do the right things that your superior asks you to do,” she advised.
The headmistress also called on parents to stay vigilant about their children’s well-being, noting that some students leave home under the pretense of going to school but end up missing for days. She urged parents to stay in touch with the school through the provided contacts to ensure their children’s safety.
“We are encouraging parents to monitor their children closely. What you think your child is doing might not always be the case. Some students leave home, claiming they are going to school, but end up arriving a day or two later. Get in touch with us. We have contacts available online. Call and check in,” she urged.
She also called for improved infrastructure, including multi-story dormitory blocks to save space for other uses, and more support for the school’s furniture needs. With a student population exceeding 3,000, she appealed for a larger bus to facilitate transportation for field trips and other school activities.
“The school now has a student population of over 3,000 but no big bus. A school of this size needs a 60-seater bus to make transportation for fieldwork and excursions easier,” she said.
Despite these challenges, Madam Anaba expressed her gratitude to the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) and the school’s alumni for their ongoing support. Their contributions, such as donations of chairs and tables, she said, have been significant in addressing some of the school’s needs.
“We want to thank the PTA and the old girls for their support. They have been there for us, donating chairs and tables to supplement the school’s resources. We truly appreciate their efforts, but students also need to do more,” she concluded.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Gifty Eyram Kudiabor|Bolgatanga
