Accra: Students and management of the Navrongo Senior High School (NAVASCO) have raised significant concerns regarding the school's degrading infrastructure, which they describe as 'bat-infested dormitories, dilapidated staff bungalows, and inadequate science laboratory equipment,' all of which negatively impact academic activities. At the school's 8th NABIA Co-sponsored Speech and Prize-Giving Day celebration, both the Senior Prefect and the Headmistress highlighted the difficulties under which students live and learn, stating that these conditions hinder effective teaching and learning.
According to Ghana News Agency, Master Atambeogo Abraham Awinyangit, the Senior Prefect, noted that the ceilings of the boys' dormitories were so fragile that 'vampires are able to manoeuvre their way into the dormitories,' emphasizing that 'it is a fact to say that all the boys' dormitories are bat-infested.' He also mentioned that the lack of furniture affects students' comfort and concentration, as 'we learn in settings where chairs creak, tables wobble, and some students are forced to stand or sit uncomfortably. This isn't just about comfort, it is about creating an environment that supports our academic success.'
The deficiency in science equipment was also highlighted as a significant obstacle to achieving academic excellence. Master Awinyangit stated, 'Science and practical learning require hands-on experience, but outdated and inadequate equipment limit our ability to explore, experiment, and innovate.'
Madam Mercy Babachuweh, the Headmistress, supported the Senior Prefect's concerns, noting that many staff bungalows were in a deplorable state, with broken asbestos roofs posing health risks. She pointed out that the shortage of staff accommodation complicates maintaining discipline and effective supervision. Despite fumigation efforts, bats have not been eradicated from the dormitories. 'The solution lies in re-roofing to prevent their entry, and we are appealing to all stakeholders and old students, particularly those of the affected houses, Livingston/Ferguson and Nkrumah/Guggisberg, to support rehabilitation efforts,' she said.
Madam Babachuweh also reported on the destruction of the school dam due to heavy rains, which left it silted with a broken spillway. 'Officials from the Ghana Irrigation Development Authority have estimated GHS12,052.20 for repair works, including mapping, design, and costing,' she revealed, appealing for assistance from the NABIA and the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Assembly.
Responding to these issues, Dr Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister of Education, reassured the school community that their concerns had reached the Ministry and that interventions were being planned. He stated that the Minister of Education, Mr Haruna Iddrisu, a proud NABIA, is committed to resolving the school's infrastructure, academic, and residential challenges. 'Be rest assured that I am here because the Minister cares very deeply about this school and how it shaped him. All your concerns have been taken into consideration and will be acted upon,' Dr Apaak affirmed.
He also promised to facilitate the school's connection to the national fibre optic network to enhance digital learning and research. Dr Apaak presented GHS50,000 as seed money to establish a NAVASCO Speech and Prize-Giving Foundation, with GHS40,000 donated by Mr Haruna Iddrisu and an additional GHS10,000 from Dr Apaak personally. Furthermore, he presented another GHS10,000 cash, divided equally for the best Science and Business students, as a token from the Minister of Education.
This year's event was themed 'Countering Drug Abuse: Measures and Strategies Towards Effective Teaching and Learning for Building Ghana's Human Capital.'