By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani (Bono), Feb. 7, GNA – Access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all, and ending open defecation, remains a key component of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), but some schools in Sunyani still lack good places of convenience.
The SDGS six enjoins countries to end open defecation by 2030.
With just about four years to the 2030 target, more than 300 schoolchildren and teachers of the St Anselm’s Cluster of Schools in Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, still lack places of convenience.
As a result, pupils who need to attend to nature’s call during school hours are compelled to use nearby bushes, an uncomfortable and undignified practice which also exposes them to snakes and other harmful reptiles—especially during the harmattan season.
During a visit to the school, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) observed that the only toilet facility serving the cluster was in a deplorable state and could not be used.
The situation, described as both dangerous and disruptive, is also negatively affecting effective teaching and learning.
Reverend Father Charles Ansu Komor, the Bono and Ahafo Regional Manager of Anglican Schools, told the GNA that the cluster comprises St Matthew’s Anglican Kindergarten, St Anselm’s Primary and Junior High, and Bishop Lemaire Primary and Junior High Schools.
He described the sanitation challenge as worrying and appealed for support for the construction of new toilet facilities for the pupils and staff.
Rev Fr. Komor called on the Sunyani Municipal Assembly, philanthropic organisations, well-to-do individuals, alumni, corporate bodies, NGOs and development partners to intervene.
He expressed disappointment that such a historic cluster of schools, which has produced many distinguished individuals both locally and abroad, is now struggling with basic sanitation infrastructure.
Mr Duodu Bimpong, Director of the St Anselm’s Anglican Child Development Centre, shared similar concerns.
He said although Compassion International, an NGO, had recently supported the schools with 201 dual and mono desks, more assistance was needed to provide decent toilet facilities for the pupils and teachers.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah
Caption: Picture shows old toilet facil