Akyem Asafo: Pupils learn with snakes in shabby classrooms

Teachers and pupils of Akyem Asafo Pechi M/A primary school in the East Akyem Municipality of the Eastern Region are being haunted by snakes in their crumbling classrooms. Apart from the threat of getting bitten by snakes and other poisonous reptiles that invade the classrooms during school hours, both the Teachers and pupils are also forced to use the bush as lavatories due to lack of toilet facilities in the school, a situation which also exposes them to harm. The Teachers and pupils say teaching and learning have become a life threatening chore as a result of the difficulties confronting them. The Teachers vented their anger and frustration at the authorities when they spoke to Starr FM Thursday.

The school still lacks toilet facilities because a latrine, which was being built by a volunteer, has stalled since her death.

Apart from the lack of toilet facilities and the invasion of their classrooms by snakes, the Teachers and pupils say their weak structures have become a death trap.

The ceilings of the classrooms have been ripped off and their floors completely bare and dusty.

A Teacher who was recently posted to the school and spoke on condition of anonymity said conditions in the school are discouraging her colleagues from accepting postings there.

The school’s headmaster George Sackitey said the challenges are adversely affecting enrolment as well as academic work.