Omanghana
Students of Sagnarigu Girls’ Model Junior High School in Ghana’s Northern Region have appealed to the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Sagnarigu, Hon. Abdulai Imoro Gong, to urgently address critical challenges affecting their learning environment, including inadequate water supply, poor sanitation, and campus security concerns.
The petition was presented by the school’s prefect, Asuo Angela, during an event organized by ActionAid Ghana to commemorate the International Day of the African Child.
Students Raise Concerns Over Basic Facilities
Representing more than 200 learners, the students outlined several longstanding infrastructural problems that they say are negatively impacting their education, health, and overall well-being.
Among their primary concerns is the lack of a reliable water supply. According to the petition, water storage tanks and taps installed at the school have remained non-functional since the institution was established, leaving the school dependent on irregular support from the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA).
The students argued that the situation has created daily hardships and disrupted normal school activities.
Water Shortages Affect Menstrual Hygiene
The petition also highlighted the impact of the water crisis on menstrual hygiene management.
Students explained that the absence of dependable water makes it difficult to maintain clean sanitation facilities and ensure privacy, creating additional challenges for adolescent girls during their menstrual periods. They noted that these conditions have contributed to discomfort and, in some cases, absenteeism from school.
Waste Management and Security Challenges
In addition to water-related concerns, the students called attention to inadequate waste disposal facilities on campus.
They reported that the lack of sufficient covered refuse bins has forced learners to collect scattered waste manually, raising concerns about hygiene and potential health risks.
The petition further pointed to security issues stemming from the absence of a completed perimeter wall around the school, leaving students vulnerable and prompting calls for improved protection of the campus.
MCE Pledges Immediate Action
Responding to the petition, Municipal Chief Executive Hon. Abdulai Imoro Gong assured the students that the assembly would take steps to address their concerns.
Among the commitments announced was the drilling and commissioning of a mechanized borehole by September 2026 to provide the school with a reliable source of clean water.
The MCE also pledged support for the completion of the school’s perimeter wall to enhance security and announced plans to supply five large refuse bins to improve waste management and maintain a cleaner learning environment.
Hope for Improved Learning Conditions
The commitments have been welcomed as a positive step toward addressing the infrastructural deficits facing Sagnarigu Girls’ Model JHS. Students and stakeholders hope the promised interventions will create a safer, healthier, and more supportive environment that enables learners to focus on their education without the burden of inadequate basic amenities.
Source: Omanghana
