GCB Bank PLC has handed over a refurbished dormitory block at the Tamale Senior High School (TAMASCO) to improve the living condition of students on campus.

Known as Tamakloe House, the 12-bedroom dormitory block has the capacity to accommodate about 300 students. It is equipped with 33 modern washrooms featuring showers, newly installed urinals and handwashing facilities.

The renovation also included disability friendly water closet (WC) facilities, store rooms, private rooms for dormitory prefects, painting, re-roofing, drainage systems, among others. 

Inauguration

Inaugurating the facility in Tamale last Monday, the Managing Director of GCB, Farihan Alhassan, said the project formed part of the bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting education and contributing to human capital development in the country.

He emphasised the importance of a safe and conducive learning environment, noting that conducive accommodation was critical for effective teaching and learning in schools.

“Beyond providing accommodation, boarding houses promote stability, discipline, teamwork and national cohesion. For parents, boarding schools offer assurance that their children are in a structured, safe and supportive environment,” he said.

Alhaji Alhassan added that the project would help ease congestion and improve the living condition as well as overall academic performance of students in the school.

Deplorable state

For his part, the Board Chairman of GCB, Professor Joshua Alabi, described the previous state of the dormitory as deplorable, adding, “the facility was in very poor condition. I even learnt that students were uncomfortable. Today, the building reflects what a modern dormitory should be”.

He indicated that the facility had over the years housed very prominent personalities, including himself, but had not received any major renovation works.

He charged the management of the school to ensure proper maintenance of the facility to enable it to serve its intended purpose.

The Headmaster of TAMASCO, Mohammed Yakubu Mustapha, expressed appreciation to the bank for the gesture and said the refurbished dormitory had brought relief to the students.

Some students who spoke to the Daily Graphic also expressed gratitude to the GCB Bank and said the new facility would significantly improve their living conditions and make boarding life more comfortable.