Authorities of the Academy of Christ the King Senior High School (SHS) in Cape Coast in the Central Region have raised concerns over inadequate security personnel at the school, warning that the situation poses a serious risk to the safety of students and school property.
The school, which currently has a student population of 1,806, has only one security officer on duty following the death of one of its two security personnel.
According to the Headmaster, Mr Robert Stephen Reynolds, the situation has placed enormous pressure on the only security officer, who is expected to safeguard the large student population as well as school infrastructure and other properties.
Mr Robert Stephen Reynolds, headmaster, Academy of Christ the King SHS, Cape Coast
He said the inadequate security personnel could make it difficult for the school to effectively manage emergencies, maintain order and respond promptly to security-related incidents on campus.
“We had two security men on campus, but recently one passed away, leaving only one person who now takes care of a total student population of 1,806, including school property, which is very challenging for the school and the children,” Mr Reynolds said.
He added that the construction of a new entrance gate and security room would help address some of the security challenges, but stressed that additional personnel were urgently required.
Mr Reynolds therefore appealed to the Ministry of Education and other relevant authorities to assist the school with additional security personnel to protect students and property.
He said the school’s rapid growth in population had not been matched by a corresponding increase in security support, creating a worrying gap that needed urgent attention.
The Headmaster also expressed concern about the absence of a fence wall around portions of the school’s land.
According to him, the lack of a proper perimeter wall has exposed the school to security vulnerabilities, including human encroachment on school lands.
He called for support from government, private individuals, corporate institutions, old students and other stakeholders to help the school address the challenge.
The concerns were raised during a special ceremony held to officially unveil and dedicate a new entrance gate, security room and Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) office constructed for the school by Nana Kojo Krah I, Chief of Staff of the Oguaa Traditional Council.
The intervention forms part of efforts to improve infrastructure and security at the school as it prepares to commemorate its 50th anniversary in 2026.
Mr Reynolds welcomed the projects and commended Nana Kojo Krah I for the initiative, describing the support as timely given the school’s growing needs.
He appealed to other individuals, organisations and institutions to emulate the gesture and support the school as it prepares for the anniversary celebration.
Academy of Christ the King SHS was established on October 15, 1976, by the Mothers’ Union of the Anglican Church in Cape Coast.
The initiative was undertaken under the leadership of the late Most Rev. I. S. M. Le-Maire, then Archbishop of the Province of West Africa, and Most Rev. R. G. A. Okine, a retired Archbishop who was then Priest-in-Charge of the Christ the King Parish, Cape Coast.
The school began with just 60 students, including eight females.
It was subsequently absorbed into the public Senior Secondary School system by the government in January 1998, marking an important transition in its development.
Today, the school operates both day and boarding systems, serving a significantly larger student population than it did at its establishment.
The girls’ dormitory is located at Abeadze in Cape Coast South, while the boys’ dormitory is situated at the school’s new site at Abura in Cape Coast North.
The dramatic increase from an initial enrolment of 60 students to the current population of 1,806, authorities say, underscores the need for infrastructure and logistical support to grow alongside the school’s population.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nana Kojo Krah I, Chief of Staff of the Oguaa Traditional Council, explained that his decision to support the school was motivated by his connection to Cape Coast and his belief that indigenes have a responsibility to contribute to the development of their communities.
Nana Kojo Krah I, Chief of Staff, Oguaa Traditional Council
He said although government was making efforts to provide infrastructure and other resources to schools, community members and other stakeholders could help reduce the pressure on the state by supporting institutions within their localities.
“Government is doing its best for schools, and sometimes it is good for those living close to schools to support them to ease some of the burden on government. As a society, let us come together to build a better future for our children in schools,” Nana Kojo Krah I stated.
He urged individuals and organisations to develop a culture of giving back to their communities, particularly by investing in education and creating safe environments for students.
The commissioning and dedication ceremony brought together traditional leaders, teachers, representatives of the Ghana Education Service (GES), members of the PTA, clergy and other stakeholders.
The school authorities expressed appreciation to Nana Kojo Krah I for the new facilities and appealed for further support to address the institution’s pressing needs, particularly the provision of additional security personnel and the construction of a perimeter fence wall.
As the Academy of Christ the King SHS approaches its 50th anniversary, authorities say strengthening security and improving infrastructure will be critical to creating a safer and more conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Story by Kwame Kakraba
