By Kekeli K. Blamey
Avakpedome, (V/R), May 15, GNA – Madam Florence Tedoku Xorname, Headmistress of the Avakpedome DA Primary School, has made an urgent appeal to the government for support in renovating the school’s deteriorating infrastructure.
She highlighted the pressing need to foster a conducive learning environment, especially for its visually impaired students.
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during a visit to the school, Madam Xorname stressed that the institution known for integrating visually impaired students into mainstream education requires immediate intervention.
She lamented that many classrooms, furniture, offices, and washrooms are in a deplorable state and pose a serious threat to both students and staff.
“The school is doing well academically, thanks to the dedication of our teachers and non-teaching staff, but the infrastructure is failing us,” Madam Xorname said.
“Whenever it rains, parts of the roof leak badly or are torn off entirely. Students’ books, documents, and other materials are often soaked, and our current office is unfit for administrative work.”
She expressed concern about the safety of visually impaired students, who often fall into open gutters due to the school’s lack of disability-friendly infrastructure.
“We urgently need a safer, more spacious environment, better roofing, and disability-accessible facilities,” she added.
The GNA confirmed the poor condition of the school buildings, noting broken furniture, limited learning materials, and unsafe washrooms. Students and staff were observed working in cramped and compromised conditions.
Mr Bliss Besah Macarthy, Chairman of the School Management Committee, echoed the Headmistress’s plea. He noted that while the committee has made some contributions, significant governmental support is necessary to transform the school into a modern educational institution.
“Despite the challenges, our students, many of whom are visually impaired, have consistently performed well in the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE),” he said. “With the right support, this school has the potential to become a model of inclusive education in Ghana.”
Madam Esenam Kakah, Assembly Member for the Avakpedome Electoral Area, expressed her readiness to work with the Mr Dodzi Addison Mornyuie, District Chief Executive and the area’s Member of Parliament to secure the necessary resources.
“I am committed to advocating for this school. No child should be denied quality education due to infrastructural decay,” she affirmed.
She said the school stands as a symbol of dedication and perseverance in the face of adversity and urged stakeholders, government agencies and philanthropic organisations to intervene promptly to safeguard the educational future of the pupils.
She called for the renovation of the students’ dormitory which was burnt due to some electrical faults.
GNA
MA/LAA