Teachers and pupils at St. Joseph RC Primary School in the Tamale Central Constituency are calling for immediate government intervention to address critical infrastructure issues that are hampering effective teaching and learning.
With an insufficient number of classrooms, over 120 pupils are being forced to study in a makeshift, sandy structure that is overcrowded and unsuitable for learning.
In particular, Basic 3 pupils are cramped into a temporary wooden structure that is dusty, hot, and uncomfortable, making it difficult for them to concentrate or participate in lessons. For years, the school has faced challenges with inadequate classroom blocks, leaving students exposed to harsh weather conditions and lacking essential learning materials.
Speaking to Channel One TV, some pupils expressed frustration over the unbearable conditions.
“The dust is always making us dirty, and we can’t breathe well. When the sun rises, it enters the classroom and makes the room very hot. We want the government to change the class infrastructure for us,” one pupil shared.
“The class is too hot, so we want the authorities to set up a new class for us,” another pupil added.
Salahudeen Abdallah, Chairman of the Parent Association, revealed that a nearly completed PTA-funded classroom project for Basic 3 pupils was destroyed by a rainstorm due to insufficient funds for proper construction. He voiced deep concern over the ongoing issues and stressed the urgent need for intervention.
“The building was demolished by a rainstorm last year. We wanted to complete it so that those in the wooden structure could move in, but we were handicapped. We don’t have the money to do that,” he said.
He further raised concerns about the safety of the school, citing the invasion of the premises by substance abusers. These intruders leave behind hazardous debris, posing a significant threat to the well-being of the pupils. He called on security forces to step in and prevent further misuse of the school compound.
“Some major challenges facing us are the ‘wee’ smokers; they are worrying us. I learned they have been here for a very long time. The community tried to sack them, but they came back. We also tried speaking to them nicely so they could move elsewhere, but they refused.”
School authorities have made an urgent appeal to President John Dramani Mahama, Tamale Central MP Mohammed Mutala, and philanthropists to assist in constructing a three-unit classroom block.
They stressed that this would provide a safer and more conducive learning environment for the pupils.
“We want to appeal to our president, John Mahama, to come to the aid of the children. They need three classroom blocks with furniture. We will be very happy if these needs are met.”
