By Ewoenam Kpodo
Ho, April 24, GNA – The Dzita Development Association (DDA) has launched an emergency intervention dubbed “Cognitive Leap” to address critical challenges confronting basic education in three public schools within the Dzita Traditional Area in the Anloga District.
An education audit conducted in Dzita EP/DA, Dzita-Agbledomi RC/DA and Phileo Ministry schools revealed that only 20 professional teachers are serving a total of 1,562 pupils, resulting in a pupil-teacher ratio of about 78:1, far above the national standard of 30:1.
The findings further showed severe shortages in teaching and learning materials.
At Dzita-Agbledomi RC/DA, Basic three pupils reportedly share core subject textbooks at a ratio of 73:1, while Dzita EP/DA Basic records an average ratio of 27:1.
The situation is worse in subjects such as Computing, Religious and Moral Education, and Career Technology, where no textbooks are available at all, translating into a ratio of 0:1,562.
Infrastructure deficits were also noted, as the three schools lack functional libraries and dedicated ICT laboratories.
The absence of supplementary reading materials, digital learning tools, dual desks and teacher workstations continues to affect teaching and learning outcomes.
To address the challenges within the current academic year, the DDA has adopted a three-tier strategy, focusing on staffing and basic teaching tools as the first tier, learning materials as the second, and infrastructure development as the third.
The Association set a financial target of GH¢400,000 to support the immediate execution of the first two tiers.
Fundraising activities, including events held during the 2026 Dzita Easter celebrations, raised GH¢48,383.
Dr David Esinu Normanyo, Executive Secretary of the DDA and Assembly Member for the Dzita Electoral Area, told the Ghana News Agency that a stakeholder meeting held on April 22 agreed to realign priorities to maximise the impact of the funds raised so far.
He said the Association has begun recruiting nine community volunteer teachers instead of the initial target of 15, for a one-year engagement. Each volunteer will receive a monthly allowance of GH¢500.
According to Dr Normanyo, the volunteers will be deployed to teach Basic Two, Three and Five at Phileo Ministry School; Kindergarten Two, Basic One and Junior High School Career Technology at Dzita-Agbledomi DA Basic; and Basic One, Two and Four at Dzita DA Basic School.
He said the volunteers would be commissioned on May 6, 2026, during which textbooks and ICT teaching aids would be formally handed over to the respective head teachers.
Dr Normanyo added that the DDA would continue to lobby for the posting of more professional teachers and National Service Personnel to improve staffing levels.
He commended Togbi Hatsu III, chief of Dzita, for his leadership and contributions during the stakeholder meeting, and expressed appreciation to donors for supporting the initiative.
“You are the engine of this project. Your generosity is not only buying books but shaping the future leaders of our community,” he said.
Dr Normanyo also appealed to sons, daughters and friends of Dzita to contribute in cash, materials or expertise to ensure that no child is left behind.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah