Jirapa, Ghana: The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of Konchuri Basic School in the Jirapa Municipality has issued an urgent appeal to philanthropists and organizations for the construction of a proper classroom block for their Junior High School students. This call for assistance arises from the dire state of the current facilities, which are inadequate and unsafe for students.
According to Ghana News Agency, while the government constructed the kindergarten block and a philanthropist provided six classrooms for primary grades one to six, the Junior High School section has been neglected, leading the community to build temporary mud structures. He emphasized the urgent need for a more permanent and safe structure to avert potential disaster.
During an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in the community, Mr. Charles Anatakang, the PTA Chairman, highlighted the precarious conditions of the existing structures. He described the buildings housing Junior High School students from grades one to three as “death traps,” with a constant risk of collapse, especially during inclement weather. This situation forces students to evacuate to other classrooms when it rains due to safety concerns.
The PTA Chairman also pointed out other challenges faced by the school, including a lack of teacher accommodation and insufficient access to potable water. The absence of a borehole on the school premises has impacted attendance, with students leaving school grounds under the pretense of fetching water and not returning.
Mr. Huudu Kunaateh, the Jirapa District Director of Education, acknowledged the school’s predicament and confirmed that the Municipal Assembly had been informed about the need for a proper classroom block. However, he echoed the PTA’s appeal to benevolent individuals and organizations, noting the slow response from the District Assembly in addressing this critical infrastructure issue.