Pupils and teachers vacate school block due to persistent electrical shock

Dadieso (Ashanti Region) 9th June '99

Persistent electrical shocks from the Volta River Authority's (VRA) transmission lines has forced pupils and teachers of the Dadieso Local Authority Primary schools in the Asante-Akim South district to vacate a six-classroomed block.

Pylons erected two years ago by the VRA for high tension electricity cables are only a few metres from the roof of the block. As result anyone who enters the classrooms with metals, particularly after rainfall, gets electrical shock.

The school now holds classes under trees.

Mr James Boadi Danquah, the District Chief Executive and Mr Ofori Awuah, the District Director of Education, have visited the school and held discussions with the chiefs and people on alternative arrangements.

Mr Boadi said the VRA has released a cheque for 69.5 million cedis through the assembly towards the construction of a new classroom block.

The District Chief Executive told the community to help put up temporary structures for classes to be continued until the new classroom block is ready.

Mr Boadi warned teachers not to use the present situation to dodge classes.

Mr Richard Osei Gyasi, the headteacher, gave an assurance that they would do their utmost best to enhance teaching and learning under the present circumstances.

Nana Akomea Mensah, chairman of the Parent-Teacher Association, said they would provide communal labour for the construction of the new block.