News
School building collapses on pupils
A pupil of the Sumborun Basic School in the Sissala East Municipality suffered a head injury, after a log from their classroom shed fell on them, following the collapse of the building on the children.
Checks by the GNA revealed that the affected pupil, Zaachi Hanawu, a primary one pupil, had since been treated and discharged from the community clinic.
Mr Dangor File, the Assemblyman of the Sumboru electoral area, told the GNA that the school’s structure, which had been under construction by the Northern Development Authority (NDA) had stalled for the last four years.
He said the pupils, aged between six and eight, participated in the re-construction of the classroom sheds, to save them from the harsh weather conditions, because their parents refused to participate in the constant ritual of repairs whenever school resumed from vacation, claiming they were occupied with their farming activities.
Mr Dangor stated that unfortunately, while gathering tree branches and other leaves to cover the uncompleted structure, one of the logs fell on a pupil, injuring her on the head, whilst others sustained minor injuries.
Mr Fuseini Batong Yakubu, the Sisalla East Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), confirmed that he had earlier sought NDA’s assistance to complete some abandoned projects in the area, which included the three-unit classroom block in Sumborun, which was yet to be roofed and stocked for the school.
He said the uncompleted projects dotted around the Municipality included a doctor’s bungalow and maternity ward at Welembelle, the Banu Police post, Lilixia Kindergarten block, the Dangi classroom block, a three-unit classroom block at Dolunbizon, the Bujan maternity ward, Kuroboi CHIPs compound and the Challu community centre. –GNA
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
