The burnt dormitory

By Gilbert Azeem Tiroog,

Paga (U/E), Sept. 22– The Paga Senior High School in the Kassena Nankana West District is facing a major accommodation challenge following the destruction of its girls’ dormitory by fire in January 2021.

The incident has left the school without adequate boarding facilities, compelling many prospective students, especially those from distant communities, to turn down placement offers.

From a peak of more than 800 students, the school’s population has dropped to fewer than 400. Currently, the boys are occupying the ground floor of a one-storey classroom block, while the girls have been relocated into old classrooms converted into makeshift dormitories.

Mr Isaac Kweku Boena, the Headteacher, told the Ghana News Agency that the situation had dealt a major blow to the school’s growth.

“Parents and students who come from far distances are refusing placement here because there is no accommodation. Even for those willing to stay around, there are no rooms available for rent in the community. The only option is for students to cook for themselves on campus, and that is discouraging many,” he said.

He said several appeals had been made to the Ghana Education Service, the GETFund, and the Regional Coordinating Council for the re-roofing of the burnt dormitory, but no support had been received.

“Since 2021, we have written several letters, and as recently as April this year, we presented our case to the Upper East Regional Minister. We are still waiting for intervention,” he added.

Mr Boena said restoring dormitory facilities would not only stabilise enrollment but also improve discipline, academic performance, and overall student welfare.

“We are passionately appealing to the government and other stakeholders to come to our aid. Without accommodation, this school cannot achieve its full potential,” he said.

Mr Duriyem Wenawome Aborah, the Chairman of the Paga Youth Movement has also called on government and development partners to urgently address the challenge.

The movement said the continued neglect of the school was affecting the education of young people in the area and risking the future of many children.

“We are also calling for the absorption of the school into the boarding system to improve teaching and learning outcomes” he added.