Over 400 pupils and teachers at Nana Avoh Nwiah Basic School in the Jomoro Municipality of the Western Region were previously forced to teach and learn in a dilapidated wooden structure, described by the community as a “death trap.”
For years, the unsafe building prevented some pupils from attending school, negatively affecting enrolment and overall educational engagement.
The deteriorating facility lacked proper desks and basic comfort, with pupils forced to sit on backless benches on dusty, uncemented floors.
Teachers often had no choice but to close the school during heavy rains due to the tattered roofing. On days the school remained open, over 400 pupils were crammed into a single classroom deemed slightly safer.
The open nature of the structure also posed serious safety risks. Teachers recalled a snake once falling from the roof into a classroom during lessons. Coupled with poor road infrastructure, including a collapsed bridge that cut off the community, the learning environment had long been far from ideal.
This narrative is now set to change thanks to the intervention of the Member of Parliament for Jomoro and Deputy Minister of Transport, Hon. Dorcas Affo-Toffey.
The MP has funded and constructed a modern six-unit classroom block to replace the decayed wooden structure. The new building includes a headmaster’s office, a staff common room, modern washrooms, ceiling fans, and well-ventilated classrooms. It is scheduled for commissioning this March.
During an inspection tour of her ongoing projects, Madam Affo-Toffey expressed joy over the progress. She noted that this is one of several schools she is personally funding to enhance teaching and learning in the constituency.
“I visited the Avonyaa community some time ago and was deeply moved by the sight of the wooden structure being used by the children,” she said. “I quickly raised funds to provide them with a modern facility, and today we are witnessing what the Lord has done.”
The lawmaker pledged to continue her efforts to improve education in the area and urged parents to prioritise the education of their wards.
“As a mother and an educated woman, my priority is to ensure quality education in my constituency,” she stated. “The newly built classroom block will be fully furnished to provide pupils with a conducive learning environment.”
