Bishop Herman College in the Kpando Municipality of the Volta Region has seen a facelift with the commissioning and handing over of the Giant Gate, the main entrance of the school.
The gate project, estimated to have cost over GH₵900,000, was initiated and funded by the Bishop Herman Old Boys Union of North America (BHOBU, NA). It features the main gate, a LED powered inscription of the school’s name, a security post and an accompanying flag garden.
Speaking at a short ceremony to hand over the gate, Dr. James Doh, who is the President of BHOBU-NA, expressed profound gratitude to all donors. He stated that the strengthening of the Ghanaian cedi against the dollar could only delay the project but did not deter the donors who had to make additional financial commitments to ensure the project came to pass.
“The cedi became stronger. We were short by almost USD30,000 with that small change. And the contract had already been signed. So, we had to go back to the benefactors, the alumni. And the same people who donated initially gave us more money. They believed in this project so much and believed it’s a good facelift”, he said.
He was also grateful to the Past Ola Girls Association of North America (POGA NA) for their immerse financial contribution to the project.
The Project Coordinator of BHOBU-NA, Dr Eusebius Gbordzoe, on his part, was satisfied and impressed about the work of the contractor. He believes the project will revamp BHOBU-NA in particular and revive the urge of giving back to Bishop Herman among all alumni. He explained why they had to supervise and coordinate the project themselves, saying
“We started BHOBU North America then it collapsed because we got messages that the school needs help, we send money to the school and people [alumni and donors] came here and they don’t know what the money was used for”.
He said they chose to construct a gate because it shows something tangible and it is also the entry and exit points of the school, thereby reminding both old and new boys that they are the only ones who can help build the school since they are the NGOs and future NGOs of the school.
The Vicar General of the Ho Diocese of the Roman Catholic Church, Rev. Monsignor Walter Agbetoh, speaking for and on behalf of the Diocesan Bishop, expressed the pride of the church in the school.
“He wants me to convey to you that, Bishop Herman College remains one of the priceless institutions that the diocese and for that matter the Catholic Church will always be proud of”.
The Monsignor also reiterated that the college must be a center of both academic and moral excellence and pledged the church’s undying support for the school.
He also expressed the church’s appreciation to BHOBU North America and urges all other alumni to take a clue from the North American branch.
In his speech, the Municipal Chief Executive for Kpandu, Hon. Killian Donkor, praised the college and likened it to a farmer who planted a seed and nurtured it to bear fruits, saying
“Bishop Herman College has nurtured generations with knowledge and value. This new gate is like an opening door, another opportunity letting in hope and possibility for Bishop Herman College”.
He said he expects the new gate to reset the minds of people about the school as everyone becomes part of the journey to rebuild the school. He promised that the government’s reset agenda will not be denied of the school and that the school will have its fair share.
Hon. Killian Donkor further advised the students to show positive attitudes towards academic excellence.
Akpinifia Okpekpewuokpe Dagadu IX, the Paramount Chief of the Akpini Traditional Area, who is an alumnus, commended the project team and BHOBU-NA pinpointing the importance of the choice of project.
“Gates are more than physical structures. A gate represents identity, security, vison and direction. And this beautiful main gate we commission today is a statement of pride, progress and purpose. I wish to pay special tribute to BHOBU-NA, whose generosity and commitments have made this project a reality”, he said.
Torgbe Dagadu said BHOBU-NA’s resolve is worth emulating and called on other alumni bodies, year groups and affiliates of the school to play their part to place the school on its pedestal. He demanded that the gate is maintained in its beauty and purpose.
“I pray that this edifice will receive the necessary maintenance to make it last the test of time”, he added.
The headmaster, Mr Francis Kudolo was elated after receive the keys from the project coordinator after same was handed over by the contractor, Mr Anthony Agblevor, CEO of MAGTONA Ltd. He promised to take good care of the gate in the bid to woo more projects from the alumni.
Report by: Kwame Apollo