Upper West Region: Deplorable state of Jimpensi D/A Primary School threatens lives of pupils

Residents of Jimpensi, a farming community in the Daffiama Bussie Issa District of the Upper West Region, have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of Jimpensi D/A Primary School describing it a “death trap.”

The building, which has served as the primary educational facility for the community and neighbouring areas, is on the verge of collapse due to years of neglect and lack of maintenance which threatens the pupils right to education.

The right to education is enshrined in both national and international laws, and it is the responsibility of the government and other stakeholders to ensure that every child has access to a safe and conducive learning environment. However, the current condition of the Jimpensi D/A Primary School block severely undermines this right.

The condition of the school building is nothing short of alarming. The structure is devoid of windows and doors, leaving the classrooms exposed. The floor has deteriorated into loose sand, creating a dusty environment that poses significant health risks to the pupils.

Additionally, the walls of the building are caving in, resulting in gaping holes that have become habitats for reptiles and other dangerous creatures. This not only endangers the physical well-being of the pupils but also creates a highly distracting and unsafe learning environment.

The poor state of the school has also led to a decline in student motivation and attendance. Many pupils are demoralized by the unsafe and uncomfortable learning environment, leading to high absenteeism rates. This, in turn, affects their academic performance and reduces their chances of succeeding in future endeavors. The long-term impact on the community is significant, as a poorly educated population will struggle to break the cycle of poverty and underdevelopment.

The issue of inadequate furniture further compounds the challenges faced by the school. According to the Ghana Education Management Information System (EMIS), the national furniture deficit stands at 40%, but the situation in the northern regions, including Upper West, is far worse.

In Jimpensi, the lack of desks and chairs forces pupils to adopt improper postures during lessons, which affects their concentration and overall academic performance.

In an exclusive interview with Asaase Radio, Baani Seidu Mumuni, the assembly member for the Kpare electoral area, highlighted the dire impact of the school’s condition on teaching and learning.

“The state of the school is seriously affecting teaching and learning. Some pupils are so discouraged by the environment that they abandon their education altogether,” the assembly member stated.

He went on to explain that the school building, constructed in the 1987/88 academic year, has never undergone any major renovation.

“The classrooms are like goat shelters, with no doors, windows, or proper furniture. The only table available is the teacher’s table, and even that is barely usable. Pupils sometimes jump through the window to dodge classes,” he added.

Mumuni further emphasized the broader implications of the state of the school, noting that the pupils’ right to education is being severely compromised. “Every child has the right to education, but in this environment, the pupils are not motivated to learn. Parents who could afford furniture for their children don’t see the need because they fear it will be stolen.

“We have repeatedly appealed to the district assembly for assistance, but we are told there are no funds available. The assembly delays in receiving their share of the common fund, and when it does come, it’s allocated to other projects like building hospitals and other schools. We are appealing to NGOs and Civil Service Organizations to help us renovate the school and provide our children with an equal opportunity to learn,” Mumuni pleaded.

The chairman of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Seidu Hakim, also expressed his frustration with the current state of the school saying “the situation of the school is an eyesore. Teaching and learning are disrupted whenever it rains because the roof is tattered, and the walls are caving in. This has led to a significant reduction in contact hours,” Hakim said.

He also highlighted the severe lack of furniture, stating, “Many of the students are forced to learn on the floor, which is unacceptable. We are appealing to the district chief executive (DCE) and the Member of Parliament (MP) to prioritise fixing the school.”

Imoro Abass, the school management committee chairman, echoed these sentiments, warning of the impending danger posed by the deteriorating condition of the school. “Our school block is near collapse due to the lack of renovation, posing a risk to our children, teachers, and staff.”

The deterioration began around 2018, and despite our appeals to the authorities, we have only received a promise of a three-unit classroom block, which is yet to be completed. The current situation forces pupils to lie on their stomachs to learn, which severely impacts their academic performance,” Abass noted.

The Jimpensi school, established in 1987, currently enrolls 420 pupils. It serves not only the Jimpensi community but also five surrounding communities: Bonongyiri, Challa, Kenkelee, Viator, and Jimpensi. This makes the school a critical education hub in the area which further highlights the urgent need for intervention.

The assembly member therefore appealed to all NGOs and other civil service organizations to help them renovate the school and give the children the opportunity they deserve to learn and succeed.

Reporting by Alhassan Tajudeen in the Upper West Region

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