Teachers at Jantong Dashie Junior High School in the North East Gonja District are calling for immediate intervention as the only junior high school in the area falls into disrepair, affecting the education of more than 68 students.
Built in 2007, the four-classroom structure has never undergone a major renovation. Today, the roof is badly damaged, leaking heavily during rains and turning classrooms into ovens under the midday sun.
Teachers are often forced to end lessons early, disrupting the academic calendar and lowering student morale.
The harsh learning environment has led to a drop in enrollment. Many parents have taken their children out, fearing for their safety and well-being. For those who remain, learning has become an uphill battle.
“We sometimes have to stop lessons whenever the rain starts or the sun becomes unbearable,” said Iddrisu Musah, a teacher at the school.
Community leaders share the teachers’ concerns. Chief Mahama Abdullah revealed that an assessment by the Ghana Education Service found the building too weak to be renovated, recommending a new structure instead.
In support, the chief donated 50 bags of cement to kickstart construction, but the effort has stalled.
Assemblyman Abdulia Hussein confirmed that engineers from the District Assembly also found the building unsafe. Despite ongoing appeals, there has been no progress.
The school’s future remains uncertain. Without swift action from the government and stakeholders, the only junior high option for the surrounding communities may disappear altogether.
