Omanghana
The Development Chief of the Edina Traditional Area, Nana Ekow Ankama I, was left emotional after discovering that pupils at Bantuman Akyinim Basic School in Elmina were being forced to sit and write on the bare floor due to a severe shortage of classroom furniture.
The heartbreaking situation came to light during an official visit by the chief, members of the Edina Traditional Council, and the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Ghana.
Chief Moved by Poor Learning Conditions
During the visit, Nana Ekow Ankama I observed that several pupils had no desks or chairs and were compelled to conduct lessons while seated on the hard classroom floor.
The sight of children learning under such difficult conditions deeply affected the chief, who immediately decided to provide urgent support to the school.
Immediate Donation of 50 Desks
In response to the furniture crisis, Nana Ekow Ankama I personally financed and donated 50 newly manufactured desks to Bantuman Akyinim Basic School.
The donation was aimed at providing immediate relief and improving the learning environment for pupils who had been struggling with inadequate classroom facilities.
The intervention was later extended to other educational institutions, including Elmina Methodist Basic School at Estiapa, Methodist Junior High School, and Islamic Sherif School, as part of activities marking the annual Edina Bakatue Festival celebrations.
Furniture Shortage Forces School Population Decline
Teachers at the school say the furniture shortage has had a devastating impact on student enrolment and the quality of teaching and learning.
A teacher, speaking anonymously, revealed that many parents had withdrawn their children because of the poor conditions, causing the school’s population to fall significantly from 1,050 pupils to about 590.
The shortage also forced school authorities to combine classes in an attempt to manage limited furniture resources. Sections that were previously taught separately had to be merged into single classrooms, creating overcrowded conditions and making effective teaching more difficult.
Headteacher Appreciates Support
The headteacher of Bantuman Akyinim Basic School, Mr. Matthew Essel, expressed gratitude to Nana Ekow Ankama I for the donation.
He assured the chief that the newly provided desks would be properly maintained to ensure that they serve current and future generations of pupils.
Chief Appeals for More Support
While welcoming the donation as an important step, Nana Ekow Ankama I acknowledged that the challenges facing schools in the area require broader support.
The chief appealed to philanthropists, non-governmental organizations, and the Ministry of Education to assist with additional classroom furniture and infrastructure support.
He stressed that every child deserves access to a safe and dignified learning environment and called for collective efforts to address the educational challenges affecting communities in Elmina and beyond.
Source: Omanghana
