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20 pupils narrowly escape death …as school building collapses
Collapsed school building
Twenty pupils of Zamboree D/A Basic School in the Assin North District of the Central Region narrowly escaped death following the collapse of their school building during a rainstorm on Monday.
The heart-rending incident befell the pupils in the farming community at about 9am when classes were in session.
The structure, built with mud and supported by wood hung loosely, exposing the children to the vagaries of the weather.
Opinion leaders in the community and surrounding areas have for many years appealed to the government for support to no avail.
Mr Jacob Tetteh Agbeko, the School Management Committee Chairman (SMC), told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that pupils in Classes Two and Three were the only pupils affected.
He said the building had, for years, been in a dilapidated state due to neglect and the situation was exacerbated by the onset of the rain, opening more cracks and weakening the structure.
As a result, the SMC Chairman said when the teachers observed the danger associated with the windstorm, they instructed the pupils to leave their classes and immediately after, the building collapsed, trapping their books and bags.
At the moment, various classes have been combined to accommodate the affected pupils.
He, therefore, called for urgent assistance from the government, the District Assembly and corporate Ghana, to as a matter of urgency support the school.
Some parents and pupils appealed to the government to complete an abandoned six-unit classroom block which started in 2013.
They said the abandoned building has been left to rot in the bush, making it a prime habitat for reptiles and other creeping animals, endangering the pupils.
Mr Thomas Yogarim, the Assemblyman for the area, said the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the District Assembly had been informed, and that they were waiting for assessment and assistance. –GNA
The Heartfelt Philanthropy Network and fellows of Elevate Africa Fellowship have visited the Street Academy in Accra to support its efforts to improve the welfare and development of children.
The visit formed part of efforts by the organisations to give back to the community and promote opportunities for children through education, healthcare and other social support programmes.
Ms Yvonne Abba-Opoku, Founder and Director of the Heartfelt Philanthropy Network, said the organisation had supported the Street Academy since 2019 because of its commitment to serving vulnerable children. Read More.
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Alberta Afia Asomaniwa Akoto, popularly known as “Landlady,” has declared her intention to contest as the Parliamentary Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Okaikwei North Constituency.
In a statement shared on Friday, Ms. Akoto said Okaikwei North has been her home for more than 40 years, where she has lived among the people, shared in their joys and challenges, and built lasting connections with the community.
“I am in the race because I believe our community deserves dedicated service, a listening ear and a strong voice. I am ready to work with you, listen to your concerns and help build a brighter future for Okaikwei North,” she said.
“Dear Okaikwei North, your girl is here one of your own, ready to serve,” she added.
Ms. Akoto said service is not just a responsibility but a commitment to the people and the community they call home.
Having dedicated herself to serving and supporting the people of the constituency, she said she wishes to continue the journey of service with renewed commitment, greater dedication and a stronger vision.
Her vision, she noted, is to build on the progress made, listen to the concerns of the people, empower the youth, support women, create opportunities and champion development that benefits every community in the constituency.
“I believe that together, we can build a stronger, more prosperous and inclusive Okaikwei North,” she added.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
