PRESEC first year students commend Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong for ultra-modern house 15

First-year students of the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School (PRESEC), Legon, have commended businessman and philanthropist, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, for providing the school with an ultra-modern residential facility, saying the new house has given them a comfortable environment to learn and live.

The students, who are among the first occupants of the newly established House 15, also known as the Ofori Sarpong House, described the facility as a “home away from home” and expressed gratitude to Dr Ofori Sarpong for his contribution to the development of the school.

According to them, the new facility has significantly improved their accommodation experience, with modern rooms, comfortable beds, functioning fans and lights, as well as clean washrooms and bathrooms.

One of the freshmen, who introduced himself as a resident of Room Two, said he felt “privileged and lucky” to be among the first students to occupy the new house.

He said the room had 44 comfortable beds, while the washrooms had 12 separate stalls fitted with doors, making the facility convenient and conducive for students.

“I feel very privileged and lucky to be one of the newest members in House 15. It is ultra-modern and all the facilities are clean and very neat. I am very lucky and happy to be here,” he said.

The student expressed appreciation to Dr Ofori Sarpong for the facility, saying: “Thank you for building us this house and for giving us the feel of home when we are away from home.”

Another freshman, Khalid Mohamed, also expressed appreciation to Dr Ofori Sarpong, saying the facility would help students to concentrate on their studies.

“I would first give all thanks to God and also thank Ofori Sarpong for giving us this nice facility to keep us so that we can learn better for the future,” he said.

He added that the new house compared favourably with other facilities in the school and prayed for God’s blessings upon Dr Ofori Sarpong for his investment in the development of PRESEC.

Housemaster
The Housemaster of Ofori Sarpong House, Mr Nathaniel Boche, said the facility was unique because it was newly constructed and had a structure different from the other houses in the school.

He said the establishment of the house was also significant because Dr Ofori Sarpong, in his capacity as Global President of the PRESEC Old Boys Association, had become the first person to undertake such an initiative for the school.

Mr Boche explained that the current students were pioneers of the house and that management had plans to ensure that they participated fully in academic, sporting and other activities of the school.

He said the school placed strong emphasis on discipline, with students expected to adhere strictly to scheduled activities throughout the day.

According to him, bells and sirens were used to signal students to move between classrooms, breaks and other scheduled activities, while teachers and house authorities worked together to monitor their conduct.

“The discipline is very high in the school and it is controlled by almost all teachers, with the headmaster, as the head of the school, ensuring that these things are properly executed,” he said.

Dr Ofori Sarpong’s contribution
Mr Boche listed the construction of the new facility, support for the school’s National Science and Maths Quiz (NSMQ) team, the alumni centre and the school’s astroturf among the major contributions associated with Dr Ofori Sarpong’s involvement in PRESEC.

He said those interventions had contributed to the development of the school and enhanced opportunities available to students.

He explained that the house was currently made up largely of first-year students, with a few senior students assisting the Housemaster in maintaining discipline.

Maintenance
On maintenance of the facility, Mr Boche said measures had been put in place to educate students on the proper use of the infrastructure.

He said notices had been placed at strategic points, including instructions against leaning on walls, proper use of litter bins, washrooms, bathrooms and taps.

He expressed confidence that regular education and supervision of students would help preserve the facility for future generations.

He said the house was being driven by the values of excellence and character-building, with management currently considering the house's proposed motto, vision, mission and core values.

The establishment of House 15 adds another dimension to PRESEC’s long-standing tradition of combining academic excellence with student welfare and infrastructure development.