By Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Dzolokpuita (V/R), April 25, GNA — Mr Francis Dusey, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Ho West, has dismissed as false claims circulating in a viral video alleging that schoolchildren in parts of the municipality cross flooded rivers to access education.
The video, widely shared on social media, suggested that pupils in a remote community were exposed to danger due to the absence of proper infrastructure, sparking public concern.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency on April 23, Mr Dusey clarified that although the road leading to the affected school is in a poor condition and becomes muddy and difficult to use during the rainy season, there is no river crossing that forces pupils to wade through floodwaters to attend school.
“There is no situation where pupils are crossing a river to access school. The claims in the video are misleading,” he said.
Giving further background, the MCE acknowledged that some communities, including Abutia Avetakpo near the Kalakpa Forest Reserve, faced serious accessibility challenges, particularly during the rainy season when roads became almost impassable.
He said the poor road network had affected transportation and the delivery of essential social services, including education.
Mr Dusey disclosed that the situation had previously contributed to the collapse of a local basic school, as some teachers declined postings to the area due to concerns about accessibility and living conditions.
“Accessibility remains a challenge, but the narrative being pushed about flooding and river crossing is simply not accurate,” he emphasised.
The MCE also alleged that the individual behind the viral video falsely represented herself as an Assembly Member and described the video as politically motivated and intended to misinform the public.
Meanwhile, he said the Member of Parliament for the area, working with the Municipal Assembly, had initiated steps to address the challenges through planned interventions, including the construction of a bridge over a nearby stream, as well as the provision of electricity, potable water and accommodation for teachers.
Mr Dusey appealed to residents and the public to verify information before sharing it on social media, stressing the importance of unity and collaboration in addressing development challenges.
“We must work together to improve our communities and avoid spreading false narratives that undermine progress,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Lydia Kukua Asamoah