KEY POINTS
- KETASCO calls for a return to Category A status.
- Strong NSMQ performance highlights KETASCO’s academic excellence.
- School urges alumni, stakeholders, and policymakers to support reclassification.
Keta Senior High Technical School (KETASCO) has renewed its call for reclassification as a Category A school, arguing that its academic achievements warrant a return to the elite status.
The school’s reclassification by the Ghana Education Service (GES) from Category A to Category B has reportedly affected its appeal to high-performing students.
Dr. Benjamin Mawunya Boafor, a KETASCO alumnus, surgeon, and former coach of the school’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team, voiced his concerns during a visit to the Daily Graphic newsroom in Accra. He was accompanied by the 2024 KETASCO NSMQ contestants, who shared their experience in the prestigious quiz competition.
Dr. Boafor stated that many bright students now prefer Category A schools over KETASCO simply because of its downgraded status. He stressed that this classification shift had limited the school’s ability to attract high-performing students, which could impact its academic outcomes in the long term.
KETASCO’s track record in the NSMQ highlights academic strength
KETASCO’s recent performances in the National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) have been a testament to its academic excellence. The school reached the NSMQ finals twice in the last four years, a feat only accomplished by top-ranked schools like Presbyterian Boys Senior High School (PRESEC), Legon, and Prempeh College.
Despite facing resource limitations, KETASCO has emerged as a strong contender in the NSMQ, reinforcing its claim for reclassification. Dr. Boafor emphasized that KETASCO has maintained its position as one of the leading academic institutions in Ghana, even with limited infrastructure.
At the 2024 NSMQ, KETASCO secured third place behind Mfantsipim School and St. Augustine’s College, both of which are Category A schools. Mfantsipim claimed victory with 47 points, followed by St. Augustine’s with 46 points, while KETASCO scored 32 points.
Dr. Boafor also highlighted the role of NSMQ training, noting that contestants go through an intensive academic process that goes beyond the scope of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). The rigorous training equips students with problem-solving and analytical skills, although it may sometimes divert attention from WASSCE-related topics.
Master Adorsoo Edem Clinton, one of KETASCO’s NSMQ contestants, described the quiz experience as challenging but rewarding. His teammate, Miss Perpetual Sefakor Gakpetor, echoed his sentiments, calling it an “interesting journey with ups and downs.”
KETASCO’s call for support from stakeholders
In his statement, Dr. Boafor urged stakeholders, alumni, and policymakers to support KETASCO’s push for reclassification.
According to Graphic Online, he noted that the Volta Region now has only three Category A schools following the reclassification of KETASCO in the 2017-2018 academic year.
He stressed that GES should consider KETASCO’s achievements and the impact of the school’s classification on student enrollment and overall performance. According to him, a return to Category A would allow KETASCO to attract top-tier students who typically prioritize schools with a higher classification.
KETASCO’s efforts have received backing from media outlets like the Daily Graphic. During their visit to the Graphic newsroom, the school’s representatives met with senior editorial staff, including Editor, Theophilus Yartey, who praised KETASCO’s achievements.
Yartey commended the school for its strong academic track record and its ability to compete with elite schools despite limited resources.
Yartey pledged the support of the Daily Graphic, assuring KETASCO that the media would continue to highlight the school’s achievements and provide a platform for the students to share their stories.
His remarks aimed to motivate current students and reassure parents, alumni, and stakeholders of KETASCO’s potential to reclaim its place as a top-tier educational institution in Ghana.
