Sokode Senior High Technical School (SHTS) in the Volta Region has emerged as the winner of the Presidential Debate competition, representing one of eight zones across Ghana. The school earned praise not only for its academic excellence but also for its resilience in the face of severe resource constraints.
Speaking to Adom News after the victory, the Headmaster, Isaac Dzidzienyo, expressed pride in the dedication of both teachers and students.
“We are very happy. Teachers put in a lot of effort, and the students listen to them. It was not surprising that we progressed from the inter-school level to the regional stage and now to representing the Volta Region at the southern sector competition,” he said.
The competition featured schools from Ashanti, Eastern, Western, Western North, Central, Greater Accra, and Volta regions. The Headmaster highlighted that Sokode SHTS’ success proves that quality education is possible even when students are admitted with relatively lower aggregates.
“If you admit students with less impressive aggregates and within two to three years turn them into top performers who can compete with any student anywhere, then it tells you teachers are doing something right,” he stressed.
He dismissed suggestions that the school’s achievements are a matter of luck, citing a strong record of excellence. Sokode SHTS previously won the National Debate Championship in 2019 and continues to excel in both academics and sports, with graduates making significant strides at universities nationwide.
However, Dzidzienyo painted a concerning picture of the school’s infrastructure challenges. Established in 1996 as a technical institution, the school reportedly lacks a single functional workshop for vocational or technical training.
“You will be surprised — not a single workshop. For a technical school, we have no proper facilities for vocational or home economics training. Yet our students are still excelling,” he lamented.
Transportation is another major hurdle. The school’s only bus broke down years ago, forcing staff to rely on private vehicles and rented transport for competitions and academic events.
“For this recent competition, we had to depend on support from Volta Region MPs to cover transportation. We couldn’t even raise enough funds for accommodation for teachers who stayed for three days. It is pathetic,” Dzidzienyo added.
Despite these challenges, Sokode SHTS continues to produce outstanding academic results. The Headmaster highlighted a female student who placed first overall in the entrance examinations to the University for Development Studies (UDS) Medical School, alongside other students excelling in medical and tertiary admissions nationwide.
“We do not believe in examination malpractice. Our students learn and write their own exams. Wherever they go, they prove themselves,” he stated proudly.
Dzidzienyo appealed to the government, stakeholders, alumni, and benevolent organisations to support the school.
“We have the teachers who are ready to work and students who are serious and producing results. All we need is support — from government and individuals — to give these young people the facilities they deserve,” he said.
Some of the students who participated in the debate also spoke to Adom News, recounting how the encouragement and guidance of their teachers helped them emerge as the best school. They used the opportunity to make a passionate appeal to NGOs, the government, corporate institutions, and individuals to assist Sokode SHTS in overcoming its resource challenges.
READ ALSO:
