By Michael Foli Jackidy
Tsiyinu (V/R), June 6, GNA – The staff and pupils of Tsiyinu MA Basic School in the Ketu North Municipality of the Volta Region are in desperate need of classrooms to facilitate effective teaching and learning.
Currently, pupils from Kindergarten one to Primary Six attend classes under trees and in makeshift palm frond sheds due to the lack of proper classroom infrastructure.
This situation has made teaching extremely challenging and unpredictable, especially during adverse weather conditions.
Mr. Seshie Mawuli Maxwell, the headmaster of the school, revealed during a recent visit by the Member of Parliament for Ketu North that the school has been forced to use temporary structures to continue academic activities.
“Whenever it’s about to rain, we are left with no choice but to either close the school or move the children into the JHS block, which disrupts teaching and learning significantly,” he said.
He explained that the issue began over two years ago, in May 2023, after a severe thunderstorm destroyed a community-built classroom block that had served the school.
Since then, students and teachers have been exposed to harsh conditions, including encounters with dangerous reptiles.
“For the past two years, we’ve had to deal with snakes and other reptiles in the learning environment. One day, a snake fell from a tree into a class, and I had to run with the children. When it happens, I find it very difficult to return to that spot to teach,” Madam Ethel, a Primary six teacher told Ghana News Agency (GNA).
The headmaster also disclosed that a six-unit classroom block with a headteacher’s office, initiated by COADA in 2019, is about 80 percent complete but has since been abandoned.
The stalled project, if completed, would provide the much-needed relief for both staff and students.
The school is also battling a shortage of teachers, which has forced management to merge classes under trees, further compromising the quality of education.
“The student population has dropped from over 200 to just 158. No parent wants their child to study under such deplorable conditions,” Mr. Seshie lamented.
During his visit, Mr. Eric Edem Agbana, MP for Ketu North, described the situation as “deeply embarrassing” and promised urgent action.
He assured the school that despite similar challenges faced by other schools in the constituency, he would prioritize the resumption of construction on the stalled classroom block, using personal funds if necessary.
“Even though we do not have the contract documents, I will call the contractor for a meeting and ensure the project continues,” he said, adding that he would work to remove any bureaucratic obstacles delaying progress.
“This situation is unacceptable and must be resolved quickly.”
GNA
Edited by: Maxwell Awumah/Christian Akorlie