Maamenhyeso Presby Basic School in dire need of infrastructure support

Providing adequate resources and a conducive environment for teachers is crucial to effective teaching and learning. However, the situation at Maamenhyeso Presby Basic School in the Suhum Municipal Assembly presents a stark contrast.

The school is facing a critical infrastructure deficit that threatens its continued existence if urgent interventions are not made.

Established in 1939, Maamenhyeso Presby Basic School has trained and produced prominent figures in the country.

However, it is currently in dire need of a proper unit classroom block, logistics, and basic supplies, creating a poor learning environment for both teachers and pupils.

The infrastructure and resource gap has significantly affected enrolment, with the school’s population currently standing at just 39 pupils.

In an interview, the Chairman of the School Management Committee, FM Danso, lamented the deteriorating state of the school and the failure of authorities to respond despite several complaints lodged.

He indicated that the lack of adequate classroom blocks, dilapidated structures, and the absence of the School Feeding Programme have contributed to the low enrolment.

According to him, many parents prefer sending their children to neighbouring communities where pupils benefit from the government’s feeding programme.

“The problems we have in this school are just too many, but the most pressing ones have to do with the scary nature of the building.

"It has no proper windows or doors, and it leaks heavily whenever it rains, forcing teachers to close the school at the slightest change in weather,” he said.

Danso further revealed that the school lacks a place of convenience for both pupils and teachers, compelling them to resort to the bush, a situation he described as unacceptable.

He added that the absence of the School Feeding Programme remains a major setback, further contributing to declining enrolment.

Other challenges cited include persistent roof leakages that flood classrooms during rainfall and the lack of a teachers’ office to safely store books and other essential materials.

He also raised concerns about the poor security of the school, stating that dogs and other animals easily gain access to the classrooms to whelp and defecate, worsening the already dire conditions.

A parent, Luis Adamdoh, appealed to the government to construct a bridge over the Maame River, which links Maamenhyeso to nearby communities, to help improve access to the school.

He explained that during the rainy season, pupils are often forced to stay at home because the river becomes impossible to cross, leading to frequent absenteeism.

Adamdoh justified the decision by community opinion leaders to engage the media, stating that it was necessary to draw attention to the school’s challenges and attract support.

Meanwhile, attempts to get a response from the Suhum Municipal Education Directorate proved unsuccessful.

Officials directed the news team to seek permission from the Ghana Education Service or the Eastern Regional Education Office before commenting on the matter.