Omanghana
The Member of Parliament for Agotime-Ziope, Hon. Charles Agbeve, has strongly condemned the demolition of the 70-year-old Tendamba Primary School in the Wa Municipality, describing the action as “deeply unfortunate and shocking.”
The school was reportedly pulled down in the early hours of Saturday morning to make way for the construction of a new municipal market under the region’s 24-hour economy initiative, a move that has triggered widespread public outrage and raised concerns over the future of displaced pupils.
Hundreds of Pupils Left Without Permanent Learning Space
The demolition has resulted in the immediate displacement of 214 primary school pupils, who were attending classes at the long-established institution. With the school infrastructure completely leveled, many of the affected children are currently without a stable and fully equipped learning environment.
Education stakeholders and local residents have expressed concern about the suddenness of the action, warning that the disruption could significantly affect foundational learning outcomes if swift and adequate alternatives are not provided.
Development Project Sparks Public Controversy
The land on which the school stood has been earmarked for preparatory works for a new municipal market project intended to support local commerce and economic activity in the Upper West Region.
However, the decision to prioritize commercial infrastructure over an established educational institution has drawn sharp criticism from civil society groups, education advocates, and legal commentators, many of whom have questioned the rationale behind the relocation strategy.
Critics argue that sacrificing a historic public school for market expansion raises broader concerns about planning priorities and the protection of essential social infrastructure.
Judicial Concerns Over the Decision
The controversy surrounding the demolition was further intensified by earlier comments from Supreme Court Judge Justice Yonny Kulendi, who had reportedly expressed strong reservations about plans to demolish the school.
His prior concerns have added legal and institutional weight to the ongoing debate, with observers noting that the final execution of the demolition has deepened tensions between development objectives and public interest protections.
Conflicting Accounts of Authorization
Questions have also emerged regarding the chain of authority behind the demolition.
The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Wa, Alhaji Nurah Issah Danwana, stated that the decision to clear the site was made following instructions from the Waala Overlord, the traditional ruler of the area, as part of efforts to advance local economic revitalization initiatives.
This explanation has further fueled debate over the coordination between traditional authority structures and municipal governance in major development decisions.
Temporary Learning Arrangements Put in Place
In response to public backlash and concerns over educational disruption, municipal authorities have announced the establishment of temporary makeshift classroom structures to accommodate the displaced pupils.
Officials say the interim facilities are intended to ensure continuity in academic activities while longer-term arrangements are developed. However, parents and stakeholders continue to call for a clearer, permanent solution that restores stability to the affected students.
Ongoing Debate Over Development and Education Priorities
The demolition of Tendamba Primary School has sparked a broader national conversation about balancing infrastructure development with the protection of essential public services.
As investigations and discussions continue, stakeholders are urging authorities to ensure that future development projects incorporate stronger safeguards for educational institutions and minimize disruption to communities already dependent on them.
Source: Omanghana
