Authorities at the Labone Senior High School have denied ever restraining muslim students from participating in the Eid ul Fitr celebration that fell on May 15, 2021.
They maintained that the school is not a missionary school. Therefore, they are not involved in any religious encumbrances. What is more, due to the positioning of the school, it has a large catchment area of miscellaneous standing.
The authorities made this known to this medium when it went to the school Last Thursday, May 19, 2021 to ascertain the veracity in allegations made against the school by some muslim parents who have their children in the school that the authorities restrained their children from joining them to celebrate the occasion.
Comprising the Deputy Assistant Headmaster in charge of Administration, Mr. Isaac Arthur Nyakoh, Assistant Headmaster, Academics, Mr. Emmanuel Ken Nsor, Assistant Headmistress, Domestic, Madam Adelaide Boye, P.A. Financial Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Tawiah and Mr. James Abloah Oko, P.A (Parent Association) Vice-chairman, they maintained that they did not allow their students go out there on that occasion because of past experience. According to Mr. Arthur, in September last year when the student body went out for some sporting activities, they came back to the school with mass acquisition of COVID-19 cases.
He stated that but for the early detection and quick parrest of the situation, it would have been disastrous for the school. He indicated that because of that, they have halted sporting activities, church services and social gatherings.
The authorities maintained they made available to their students the Assembly Hall to celebrate the occasion there. Also, they made available their mobile phones to enable them talk to their parents. Also, the school made available spinners, while refreshing them.
Besides their parents brought them food in excess, which they (students) shared with their non-muslim colleagues. What is more, they invited an Immam Awal lsadat from the National Police Mosque to augment the efforts of the Student Islamic leaders (Student Immams) to officiate the occasion.
According to the authorities they came to this conclusion after meeting with the students on the issue. They maintained that initially the students were not happy with the idea. But after those arrangements, they turned out very happy at the end of the day.
MOTIVATION FEE?
According to our information, few days after the Eid ul Fitr, the school authorities met with parents of final year students and demanded a motivation fee of GH¢400 from the students for their teachers. The aggrieved parents wondered if money from them would not be COVID-infested. This, the authorities denied vehemently.
Mr. Oko, the PA Vice Chairman, who was beside himself on hearing this allegation, wanted to know whether those making this allegation were at the said meeting.
He pointed out that he chaired that meeting and that the proposal came from parents themselves as their contribution towards projects initiated by the PA, as government has scrapped payment of P.T.A dues. But even then, the proposed amount was GH¢200.00 and not GH¢400.00 as falsely put out there.
According to Mr. Okoh, he had held this position for the past five (5) years and that the Association, through such contributions had done a lot for the school. Conducting us round, Mr. Oko showed us such projects as, the School Library, ICT Centre, Staff Common Hall and the graveling of some muddy parts of the school compound. Also, the Association had taken upon itself to re-paint the original brown and white colour of the school to blue and white into uniformity with the uniform of the school.
The PA Vice Chairman also pointed out that the Association intends to replace most of the worn-out windows and doors of the 70 year-old school. This, he said, is being done at a great cost as the Association struggles to meet their aims of reshaping the school to suit modern times.
Mr. Okoh was quick to point out in sadness, that the numerous past students of the school, most of who have attained high positions in society should turn their back to the school in its trying moments. He subsequently appealed to past students to come to the aid of the Association and the school as well.
By S. O. Ankamah