Kadjebi: Students of the Dodi-Papase Senior High Technical School (DOPASS) in the Kadjebi District of the Oti Region continue to take their meals under an open shed due to the lack of a befitting dining hall. A visit by the Ghana News Agency to the school revealed that the current dining area is a temporary shed roofed with metal sheets, offering little protection against harsh weather conditions.
According to Ghana News Agency, some students expressed dissatisfaction with the situation, describing it as uncomfortable and inconvenient, especially during the rainy season and the wind. Master Shadrach Quartey, a first-year student, said eating in the open does not provide a conducive atmosphere. He appealed to philanthropists and benevolent organisations to support the school with a modern dining hall. Miss Usman Zeinah, a second-year student, shared similar sentiments, noting that the situation sometimes disrupts their meals and also issued a plea for assistance.
The Headmaster of DOPASS, Mr John Mensah Da-Silveira, confirmed that the management of the school was aware of the challenge. He told the GNA that a Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) project initiated in 2015 to construct a dining hall had stalled. According to him, efforts are underway to address the situation as the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has commenced a new dining hall project. He renewed the appeal for external support to expedite its completion.
Mr Gideon Nkansah, the PTA Vice-Chairman, explained that the Association began the project three years ago after recognising the urgent need for improved infrastructure. He described the existing structure as 'just a shed' and inadequate for the growing student population. Mr Nkansah expressed hope that with additional financial support, the project could be completed before the projected 2028 timeline to provide students with a safe and comfortable dining environment. He appealed to corporate bodies, non-governmental organisations, and public-spirited individuals to partner with the school to complete the facility and improve conditions for teaching and learning at DOPASS.