The New Papase Apostolic Basic School in the Bia West District of the Western North Region is facing severe infrastructural challenges that are endangering pupils and disrupting teaching and learning.
The dilapidated classroom structures, leaking roofs, and shortage of furniture have created an unsafe and uncomfortable environment for both pupils and teachers. The situation has compelled many parents to withdraw their children from the school out of fear for their safety.
In an interview with legendreport , the Assistant Headmaster, Mr. Damoah Nicholas, expressed grave concern over the state of the facilities. He revealed that school authorities are often forced to suspend classes whenever it rains or when strong winds threaten to collapse the weakened structures. According to him, the fragile roofing and crumbling walls pose a constant danger to pupils and staff.
“The situation is disheartening. Many parents have withdrawn their children because they fear for their safety. The few teachers who remain are doing so purely out of sacrifice,” Mr. Damoah lamented.
He added that the poor working environment has demoralized teachers, with some applying for transfers to safer schools. Despite these challenges, a few teachers continue to serve with dedication, motivated by their commitment to the children’s future.
Although portions of the school building have been temporarily repaired through community efforts, the broader infrastructural crisis remains unresolved. Authorities are therefore appealing to the government, corporate institutions, and non-governmental organizations to intervene urgently.
They are calling for the renovation of the existing structures, provision of adequate furniture, and improvement of classroom conditions to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for the pupils.
Without swift action, the future of many children in the New Papase community remains at risk, as access to safe and quality basic education continues to deteriorate. For now, the school stands as a symbol of resilience — a place where teachers and pupils persevere against all odds — but their hope rests on urgent intervention from stakeholders to secure a safer and brighter future.
By Sir Ike Agooha FM
