A/R: Amokrom residents fear collapse of 50-year-old mud school blocks

Residents of Amokrom in the Ahafo Ano South East District of the Ashanti Region have raised alarm over the deteriorating state of mud-made Junior High School classroom blocks.

They are warning that the structures could collapse if urgent action is not taken.

The classroom blocks, constructed more than 50 years ago with mud, have no windows or doors, leaving pupils exposed to harsh weather conditions.

During rainfall, academic activities are often brought to a halt, forcing teachers and pupils to abandon lessons.

“We fear for the lives of our children. When it rains, classes cannot continue, and the buildings themselves look weak and unsafe,” one resident said.

According to the residents, several appeals were previously made to the former Member of Parliament for the area, Hon. Francis Manu Adabor, over the poor state of the classroom blocks, but no intervention was forthcoming.

They explained that the remaining three classroom blocks currently accommodate pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Six, resulting in overcrowding and an unconducive learning environment that affects teaching and learning outcomes.

Beyond infrastructure challenges, the community also lamented the lack of teachers’ accommodation, a situation they say has worsened staff retention.

“Teachers posted here do not stay because there is nowhere for them to live,” another resident explained.

“At the moment, only four teachers remain, and even they are struggling with accommodation,” he added.

The residents appealed to authorities to provide classroom blocks and teachers’ accommodation to help improve education in the community.

“We are calling on authorities to come to the aid of the community by providing these essential needs to help improve teaching and learning in the area,” they lamented.

Responding to the concerns during a tour of the community, the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano South East, Hon. Mohammed Yakubu, assured residents that improved classroom blocks would be provided this year.

He said the government remains committed to delivering on all promises made to the people.

“I urge you to exercise patience as we work tirelessly to ensure that your poor road networks and other pressing needs are addressed for your well-being,” the MP stated.

The District Chief Executive for Ahafo Ano South East, Hon. Ibrahim Yamba Nelson Issaka, also called on residents to continue supporting the Mahama-led administration, describing it as a government determined to bring development to the constituency.

Story by Francis Appiah