Midie: Schoolchildren from Midie in the Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region face a daily struggle as they are forced to wade barefoot through thick mud and stagnant water to reach school. Carrying their school bags and shoes in their hands, these children navigate a hazardous stretch of road connecting their community to Aminapa.
According to Ghana News Agency, a visit to the area revealed younger children being assisted by older siblings and peers to cross the slippery portions of the muddy road. This route becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season, posing significant challenges to the students. Residents report that the pupils must cross an estimated 50-metre muddy stretch daily to reach Aminapa D/A Basic School, the only nearby educational facility.
Parents expressed concern over the worsening conditions during rains, which increase the risk to children and impact school attendance. They recalled a tragic incident where a child lost her life attempting to traverse the road under similar conditions. Mr. Thomas Korley, a local parent, lamented the lack of action despite numerous promises from political leaders to rehabilitate the road.
Community members, including Mr. Isaiah Korle, have made repeated appeals to local authorities, but the dangerous section of the road remains neglected. Although part of the road was graveled under a previous administration, the most perilous section was left unattended.
Madam Angel Esther, a salt miner, highlighted the broader economic impact, noting that the poor road conditions deter buyers from traveling to Midie to purchase salt, and make transporting goods to markets challenging. The lack of a junior high school in Midie further compounds the difficulties, forcing students to travel three kilometers to neighboring communities for their education.
Mr. Prosper Tetteh Puplampu, the Assembly Member for the area, acknowledged these concerns and mentioned ongoing efforts to provide temporary relief. He stated that plans are in place to fill the dangerous section with gravel as a stopgap measure until major road construction can commence.