MP allegedly chases out Swedru SHS headmistress

Headmistress of Swedru SHS, Golda Andam

The Alumni community of Swedru Senior High School—popularly known as SWESCO—has been thrown into shock following the abrupt transfer of the school’s Headmistress, Golda Andam, a move widely believed to have been influenced by a Member of Parliament within the constituency.

Miss Andam, herself an old student of the school, has in recent years been credited by the Board and the Alumni Association with leading a steady revival of SWESCO after what many describe as a prolonged period of decline marked by weakening academic standards and deteriorating discipline.

Since assuming leadership, she has implemented a number of reforms aimed at restoring discipline, improving academic outcomes and strengthening engagement with the Alumni body. These efforts have helped renew confidence in the institution and attracted renewed support for infrastructure and academic improvement projects.

However, her firm approach to school management has reportedly brought her into conflict with some political figures in the area.

According to information available to the Alumni Association, the Member of Parliament has accused Miss Andam of disrespecting her on several occasions. Sources within the school community say tensions escalated after the MP allegedly requested admission for 52 students into the school during the most recent senior high school placement cycle.

Academic records reviewed by members of the school community indicate that only five of the students reportedly had aggregates below 30, while the remaining applicants had aggregates ranging between 35 and 48, well above the school’s typical admission threshold.

School authorities say Miss Andam faced significant pressure to admit the students despite the academic gaps. Eventually, she admitted 42 out of the 52 applicants after sustained appeals and pressure.

However, she reportedly declined to admit the remaining 10 students on academic grounds. According to sources close to the matter, the Headmistress was subsequently warned that she would “pay for it” if she refused to comply fully with the request.

Shortly afterwards, the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service issued a transfer directive requiring Miss Andam to vacate her position at the school.

A letter sighted by members of the Alumni community gives the Headmistress one week to leave her post, with a deadline of 12th March.

The timing of the directive has further heightened concerns among old students, as the school is currently preparing for its Alumni Homecoming and Speech and Prize-Giving Day, scheduled for 20th and 21st March.

Miss Andam has been closely involved in planning the events alongside the Alumni Association, and many fear her sudden removal could disrupt the preparations and the positive momentum the school has been building.

Alumni sources also allege that the Member of Parliament has proposed that the Constituency Vice Chairman of the National Democratic Congress, who previously taught at the school, be appointed as the substantive Head of SWESCO. This prospect has sparked significant concern among old students, some of whom have questioned the suitability of the proposed replacement.

The Alumni Association has described the development as deeply troubling and believes it raises broader questions about political interference in the administration of educational institutions.

Old students, both in Ghana and abroad, have begun consultations on possible steps to challenge what they describe as the politicisation of school leadership appointments. Many insist that decisions affecting the leadership of the institution must be guided by professional standards and the long-term interests of students rather than partisan considerations.

The Alumni community says it remains determined to protect the progress that has been made at SWESCO in recent years and to ensure that the school’s management remains focused on academic excellence and discipline.

Further details on the situation are expected in the coming days as stakeholders continue consultations.