Residents of Awukugua in the Okere District of the Eastern Region have suspended the payment of taxes to the District Assembly and other government institutions over the deteriorating condition of the Awukugua United Junior High School.

The residents, in a statement dated Monday, September 7, 2026, said the suspension would remain in force until urgent steps were taken to fix the school.

According to them, the decision follows years of frustration over the prolonged neglect and deteriorating state of the school, which they say has left pupils learning under unsafe and unacceptable conditions.

They cited dilapidated and roofless classrooms, inadequate seating and substandard sanitation facilities as some of the challenges confronting the school.

“These deplorable conditions severely jeopardise the safety, health, and academic performance of our students, while creating an unfavourable environment for our hard-working teachers,” the residents said.

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They said repeated appeals, petitions and engagements with relevant authorities had yielded little action, accusing the government of responding with inaction and broken promises.

The residents stressed that education was a fundamental right and that children in Awukugua deserved a safe and dignified environment in which to learn.

They have consequently served notice of a massive demonstration on Friday, September 18, 2026, involving community elders, youth groups, parents, residents and schoolchildren.

“Our stance is clear. The dignity of our children and the sanctity of our town cannot be compromised,” they said.

The residents said they would no longer remain silent while the condition of the school continued to undermine the future of their children.

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