Western north: For dozens of schoolchildren in Achiase, Ankasse, Apromase Mission, and Plot So in the Western North Region, pursuing education involves a daily struggle with danger. They must cross the swollen River Bia in a canoe to reach school at Antwi Agyeikrom in the Ahafo Region. River Bia, acting as the natural boundary between these communities and Antwi Agyeikrom, presents a significant hurdle for education and movement.
According to Ghana Web, the lack of educational facilities on the opposite side of the river forces children, including those in Kindergarten and lower primary, to rely on a canoe to attend classes at Antwi Agyeikrom M/A School. This situation worsens during the rainy season when the river overflows, making crossing perilous and sometimes impossible.
A teacher at the school, speaking anonymously to The Chronicle, described the situation as detrimental to the academic progress of the pupils. The teacher mentioned that some students struggle to attend school regularly due to the river's rising water levels, which can delay or entirely prevent their crossing. Younger children are particularly affected, often staying home when the river becomes too dangerous.
The teacher noted that over 30 pupils are impacted by this challenge, with the canoe carrying only six passengers at a time, including the paddler. During floods, crossing can take more than 15 minutes, and some children miss weeks or months of school when the river is impassable.
The Queenmother of Antwi Agyeikrom, Nana Pokua Agyemang, highlighted the absence of a bridge as a significant issue. Many parents fear for their children's safety and hesitate to send them across the river. She recounted a tragic drowning incident at a funeral event, illustrating the river's danger. Beyond education, cocoa farmers also face difficulties, carrying bags of beans across manually.
Nana Pokua Agyemang appealed to the government and benevolent organizations to construct a bridge, emphasizing that this problem has persisted for years. Affected pupils shared their frustrations, explaining that they often become stranded without the canoe. They plead for a bridge to end the dangerous ordeal.
A linguist to the Queenmother, Nana Frimpong, noted that the cries of stranded travelers, farmers, and pupils are common. The absence of a bridge impacts not only schoolchildren but also pregnant women, sick individuals, and farmers transporting produce. He stressed that the current situation exposes residents to danger and hardship.