Bongo DCE calls on GES to appoint new leadership for Gowrie SHTS amid water crisis
The District Chief Executive (DCE) of Bongo Municipal Assembly in Ghana’s Upper East Region has formally appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) to expedite the appointment of a new head for Gowrie Senior High Technical School (Gowrie SHTS). The call comes after prolonged water shortages and administrative lapses that have undermined education delivery and campus welfare.
According to the DCE, the absence of effective school leadership has worsened ongoing infrastructure problems including a failing water supply system, inadequate sanitation, and lack of oversight, all of which are affecting students’ academic performance and well-being. The delay, he noted, has left gaps in governance and made it difficult for the community and local authorities to engage productively on resolving institutional challenges.
Parents, students and community leaders have expressed growing frustration, saying that the water crisis has forced many to rely on unsafe water sources and that persistent neglect is tarnishing the school’s reputation. Some students have reportedly considered abandoning studies, while others fear potential health risks tied to inadequate hygiene and sanitation standards.
The DCE argued that appointing competent leadership is the first critical step toward stabilizing the school. With a capable head, he believes management can coordinate repairs, engage stakeholders, oversee maintenance, and ensure compliance with educational and health standards.
Meanwhile, GES has been urged to treat the appeal as a matter of urgency, acknowledging that delays in leadership appointments undermine educational quality and student welfare. Observers point out that technical schools like Gowrie SHTS play a vital role in training Ghana’s future workforce, especially in trades and technical fields necessary for national development. As such, any disruption can have broader implications beyond the district.
In the interim, the Bongo Municipal Assembly has pledged to offer temporary support, including water-trucking services for students and staff, provision of hygiene essentials, and provisional oversight to safeguard campus security and welfare. However, community stakeholders stress these are only stop-gap measures, insufficient for long-term stability and institutional confidence.
Civil society organisations supporting educational quality in Ghana have backed the call, urging government agencies to fast-track the appointment and engage local stakeholders in periodic facility audits. They argue that neglecting school leadership for political or bureaucratic reasons undermines the country’s commitment to education for all, especially in underserved rural areas.
As pressure mounts, many hope that GES will act swiftly to restore normalcy, guarantee water supply, and revitalize Gowrie SHTS, ensuring that students can continue their education in a safe and supportive environment.
