The Zamse Senior High/Technical School (ZAMSTECH) in Bolgatanga, Ghana, has marked its 50th anniversary, celebrating a legacy of academic excellence. Established on September 27, 1976, as Bolgatanga Junior Secondary School, it was one of the experimental Junior Secondary Schools in the Upper East region. The school has grown into one of the leading Senior High/Technical schools in the region. ZAMSTECH's Headmaster, Mr. Anabah Simon Amaligah, highlighted the school's achievements in academic, sporting, and human resource development over the past five decades.
Despite its successes, ZAMSTECH faces significant infrastructure and logistical challenges that hinder effective teaching and learning. The school has inadequate classrooms, furniture, laboratory facilities, technical workshops, water supply, and staff accommodation. Mr. Amaligah appealed to the Government, old students, the private sector, and other stakeholders for support to address these critical needs. The school requires a modern science laboratory, well-equipped technical and vocational workshops, and the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects.
ZAMSTECH has a student population of 2,583 for the 2025/2026 academic year, comprising 1,307 males and 1,276 females, with 2,385 boarders and 199 day students. The school's infrastructure challenges affect its ability to provide quality education. Mr. Amaligah expressed gratitude to the Government for awarding contracts for the construction of a perimeter fence wall, a three-storey, 18-unit classroom block, and a multipurpose assembly hall.
The school's 50th anniversary celebration, themed "Celebrating Academic Excellence: Empowering Minds and Shaping the Future – The Role of Stakeholders," brought together stakeholders to discuss the school's development. Mr. Isaac Adongo, Member of Parliament for Bolgatanga Central, announced that the Minister of Education had agreed to place ZAMSTECH under the STAR-J project, a US$300-million initiative aimed at improving educational facilities across the country.
The STAR-J project will pave the way for a comprehensive renovation of ZAMSTECH when it becomes fully operational. Additionally, funding has been approved by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) for the completion of the structure currently serving as the school's dining hall, which was originally designed as an assembly hall. GETFund has also approved funding for the construction of eight classroom blocks to improve access to the school and expand its infrastructure.
Regional and national leaders have pledged their support for ZAMSTECH's development. Upper East Regional Minister, Mr. Akamugri Donatus Atanga, emphasized the importance of technical and vocational skills in education, calling on stakeholders to deepen their support in infrastructure, technology, skills development, mentorship, and innovation. Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Apaak, congratulated the school on its 50th milestone and encouraged alumni to support its development.
ZAMSTECH's 50th anniversary celebration concluded with a call to action for stakeholders to support the school's growth and development. The school's leadership and stakeholders are optimistic about its future, with plans underway to improve infrastructure and provide quality education to its students. Key stakeholders have pledged to work together to ensure ZAMSTECH remains productive over the next 50 years.
Key points
- ZAMSTECH appeals for infrastructure support to sustain academic excellence.
- The school has inadequate classrooms, furniture, laboratory facilities, and technical workshops.
- The STAR-J project will support ZAMSTECH's infrastructure development.
