By: D Abraham Cooper |Grand Gedeh County Correspondent
By: D Abraham Cooper |Grand Gedeh County Correspondent
Pennokon Town, Putu Administrative District, Grand Gedeh –Monday, September 22, 2025-Putu Central High School, the 2nd largest government run institutions next to Zwedru multilateral in Grand Gedeh is struggling to retain students beyond the junior high level; a situation that threatens the long term future of the institution as far as attaining higher education is concerned.
The Principal Kingsley O. Adiabu, who took over in 2020, says the school has not produced any WASSCE candidates since 2019, when one student sat the exam.
He attributed the reason to shortage of qualified teachers in key subjects; something which he said has compelled students to transfer to Zwedru and other bigger cities after completing their junior high level cum education.
Despite these setbacks, the school remains as an e-learning center with 21 laptops, provided through the Ministry of Education and the IRISE program.
He further explained that since 2019 the number of students’ enrollment has not exceeded hundred.
The administration has also submitted proposals to the Putu Apolebo Citizens Association in America, which has been supportive, with feedback expected later in the coming days.
On staffing, the principal disclosed that the school currently has eight staff members, four on government payroll and four volunteers. However, the recruitment of new teachers remains a challenge, as only AA and BSc degree holders are permitted to teach at the high school level. He noted that the District Education Officer has been actively involved, even funding volunteer teachers from her own account to keep the school functioning.
Meanwhile, challenges with student engagement persist. Many students are distracted by money-making activities such as motorbike riding and “gold mining, while poor parental control and long travel distances also contributing to low attendance.
Principal Adiabu remains hopeful; stressing that with more teachers and stronger community involvement, the school will eventually produce its first set of 12th graders under his leadership.
