According to the Ghana News Agency, the Gundork Primary School, located in the Nabdam District of the Upper East Region, is on the brink of disaster as its structure threatens to collapse, placing the lives of 385 students at risk. The deteriorating building, serving 187 boys and 198 girls, showcases alarming large cracks on walls, destroyed supporting pillars for the front classrooms, and floors marred with deep potholes.
Students and parents, in a desperate plea for help, express their fear for safety in the school's unstable environment. Master Michael Yen, a concerned class three pupil, articulates their collective plea, "We urgently need the government's assistance to renovate the school before a tragedy occurs."
The school's infrastructure crisis is exacerbated by severe overcrowding, with class sizes exceeding the ideal number. This strain on the compromised structure is a ticking time bomb. Assistant Headteacher Mr. Iddrisu Kabiru underscores the urgent need for renovation, not just for safety but to accommodate the burgeoning student population.
Despite the challenging conditions, the school's participation in the feeding program remains a key motivator for the pupils, though meals have recently been absent. Community members have raised accusations of substandard construction work by the contractor, pointing to the building's rapid deterioration since its erection in 2007.
Local leaders, including Mr. Isaac Wulug, the Assemblyman of the Zanlerigu-Dagliga Electoral Area, have called on the government to prioritize the school's refurbishment to avert potential tragedies and ensure the continuation of academic activities. He emphasized the importance of providing a conducive learning environment to reflect quality leadership and investment in the future generation.
In response, Madam Agnes Anamoo, the District Chief Executive, acknowledged the dire state of the school, mentioning potential inclusion in the Gulf of Guinea Northern Regions Social Cohesion (SOCO) Project while urging other organizations to assist in addressing the urgent situation. As the community rallies for support, Gundork Primary School's fate hangs in the balance, with hopes for a swift and effective resolution to safeguard its students and staff.