Ankam D/A Basic School in Crisis as Leaking Roof Forces Students Home During Rains
Teaching and learning at the Manso Ankam D/A Basic School in the Amansie South District of the Ashanti Region are facing a severe crisis as the deteriorating roof of the Junior High School (JHS) block continues to disrupt academic activities. The unsafe condition of the building, which allows rainwater to pour directly into classrooms, has compelled teachers to dismiss students anytime rainfall threatens, a situation described by school authorities as “an escalating educational emergency.”
Speaking at the Ankam Home Coming 2025 fundraising event, the Headmaster of the school, Mr. Adansi Charles, expressed deep worry over the worsening state of the structure, revealing that the leaking roof has become a major obstacle to effective teaching and learning. He lamented that anytime clouds gather or the first drops of rain appear, lessons are halted as students rush out of the classrooms to avoid getting soaked. According to him, the frequency of these disruptions results in significant academic time loss, which is beginning to reflect in the performance of the students. He warned that unless urgent action is taken, the school risks further decline in its educational outcomes.
Adding to his concerns, the Assembly Member for the Ankam Electoral Area, Hon. Francis Boateng, described the situation as dire and unacceptable. He explained that the community has made attempts over the years to support the school but lacks the resources to carry out major repairs such as reroofing the entire JHS block. He also appealed for support to complete an abandoned teachers’ quarters project initiated by the community to help address accommodation challenges faced by teachers posted to the area. According to him, the absence of decent housing discourages teachers from accepting postings to the community, further compounding the school’s struggles.
The Chief of Ankam, Nana Kwantwi Ampomah, also made a heartfelt appeal to the government, philanthropists, and corporate organizations to intervene. He emphasized that the future of the children of Ankam depends heavily on the availability of safe and conducive learning environments, adding that no community development effort can succeed without strong educational foundations. He called on stakeholders to prioritize the rehabilitation of the school to restore hope and dignity to the learners.
The community believes that with timely support, the school’s crumbling infrastructure can be restored, giving students a better chance at academic success. Until then, the plight of the Manso Ankam D/A Basic School remains a stark reminder of the infrastructural challenges confronting many rural schools across the country.
