Okonam L/A Primary school a 'Death Trap'

The lives of pupils of the Okonam L/A primary school in the Suhum Municipality in the Eastern region are in a serious danger following the dilapidated state of the school building which according to sources was constructed by the Okonam community in 1926, some 89 years ago.

At the time of visit by ATV’s Eastern regional correspondent, Isaac Boamah Darko to the Okonam L/A primary school which have over 90 pupils, the day appeared very busy with school activities for both students and teachers in the 89 year old dilapidated classroom block.

The school which has not seen any major facelift since it’s establishment had it’s poor state further deepen when a rainstorm ripped off part of it’s roofs while part of the building has been brought down to it’s foundation.

But in other to continue with lessons and avoid jeopardizing the future of the children, the teachers and traditional authorities of the school decided to complete the abandoned GETFUND project which has stalled the past 10 years. But the Municipal Chief Executive of the Suhum Municipal Assembly, Samuel Fletcher Kwabi, according to Nana Baffour Teinor IV, the chief of Okonam, has warned the Chiefs and school authorities not to continue the project.

The determination and enthusiasm of both teachers and pupils has not attracted the attention of the authorities of the school.

The chief of Okonam, Nana Baffour Teinor IV, called on the government to come to the assistance of the school.

According to him the future of the children being the touch bearers and next kin of the nation is virtually in total jeopardy since the condition of the school has forced most of them to drop out of school.

Some of the children who spoke to ATV explained that school activities always come to a standstill whenever it rained and that the earlier government rises to the occasion, the better it would be for all.