Yonso schools appeal for toilet facilities over worsening sanitation crisis

The head teachers of Yonso M/A Primary School and Yonso Islamic Primary School in the Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region have issued a desperate appeal to the Mampong Municipal Assembly for the construction of toilet facilities in their schools.

According to them, the lack of basic sanitation is affecting academic performance and poses a serious health risk to both pupils and staff.

Zeid Majidu, head teacher of Yonso M/A Primary School, and Jephthah Owusu Mensah, head teacher of Yonso Islamic Primary School, made the appeal during a short ceremony on Monday, October 13, 2025, to receive a donation of football jerseys worth GH¢5,000 from Elder Emmanuel Osei Tawiah, CEO of the Omene Bour Nana Fun Club.

The donation was presented on his behalf by Kwame Agyenim Boateng.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Majidu lamented the absence of toilet facilities, stating that many pupils take advantage of the situation to skip classes under the pretext of going home to relieve themselves.

“The children and teachers are struggling to access toilet facilities, and most of the pupils take advantage of it, go home, and never return,” he said.

He further revealed that the lack of proper sanitation has led to widespread open defecation on the school compound.

“Human faeces are scattered all over the place, and I am afraid of a cholera outbreak. If this situation is not addressed immediately, it could be disastrous,” he added, appealing for urgent intervention from the municipal authorities.

The head teacher of Yonso Islamic Primary School, Jephthah Owusu Mensah, echoed similar concerns and called for additional support from the Assembly.

He requested teaching and learning materials such as multi-base blocks, abacuses, a television set for digital learning, and a lawn mower to help maintain the school compound.

Mr. Owusu Mensah also appealed for the fencing of the school to prevent encroachment and to stop pupils from leaving during lessons.

“We need the school fenced to prevent encroachers and children from running away from classes. We also need a proper kitchen to prepare meals for the children,” he emphasized.

Both head teachers appealed to the Member of Parliament for Mampong, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, to assist in constructing new classroom blocks to replace the old and dilapidated structures currently in use.

They believe such support would enhance the quality of teaching and learning while providing a safer environment for both pupils and teachers.

In response, Kwame Agyenim Boateng, who presented the jerseys on behalf of Elder Osei Tawiah, reaffirmed the Fun Club’s commitment to supporting education and sports in the Yonso community.

He also called on other well-meaning individuals and institutions to contribute toward improving conditions in the schools.