Buya D/A Junior High School, located in the Kpandai District, Northen Ghana, the first and oldest educational institution in the community since the era of Kwame Nkrumah, now stands as a troubling reflection of neglect and urgent need. Once a symbol of hope and access to education, the school is currently battling severe infrastructural challenges that threaten both the safety and academic future of its students.
Recent observations and photographic evidence reveal a deeply concerning situation. Portions of the school’s roofing have been ripped apart, leaving large openings that expose classrooms directly to harsh weather conditions. During rainfall, teaching and learning are disrupted entirely, while the intense heat during sunny periods makes the environment unbearable for students and teachers alike.
Inside the classrooms, the situation is equally distressing. The structures are visibly deteriorating, with weakened wooden frames and damaged ceilings that pose serious safety risks. In some areas, roofing sheets hang loosely overhead, creating the constant danger of collapse. These are not conditions under which any child should be expected to learn.
Additionally, the school faces a critical shortage of basic learning resources. There is a lack of adequate furniture, forcing students to either share limited desks or sit in discomfort. The condition of the blackboards further worsens the situation, making effective teaching difficult and reducing students’ ability to fully engage with lessons.
Education is widely recognized as the foundation of national development, yet the current state of Buya D/A JHS undermines this very principle. Students are striving to learn under conditions that do not support concentration, safety, or dignity. Without swift intervention, the long-term impact on educational outcomes in the community could be severe.
This is a direct appeal to government authorities, non-governmental organizations, corporate institutions, and compassionate individuals to urgently come to the aid of Buya D/A JHS. Immediate support is needed:
1. Rehabilitate and reroof the damaged classroom blocks
2. Provide adequate desks and chairs for students
3. Supply proper teaching materials, including functional blackboards
4. Restore the overall structural integrity of the school
The children of Buya deserve a safe and conducive learning environment; one that reflects the value placed on their future. The current state of the school is not just an infrastructure issue; it is a call to action.
Now is the time for collective responsibility. With timely support and intervention, Buya D/A JHS can be restored to a place of safety, learning, and opportunity once again.
For media coverage and support, this issue requires urgent national attention:
Francis Njibiche Nlansong, a Graduate Civil Engineering, University of Cape Town and a Concern Youth and a member of Buya Community. Contact: +233249700521.
