A/R: Anomagye M/A Basic School pupils fall ill over poor sanitation facilities

Several pupils at Anomagye M/A Basic School at Anomagye in the Suame municipality in the Ashanti Region have reportedly contracted infections.

Parents and teachers believe are linked to the school’s unhygienic urinals and toilet facilities.

The situation has sparked alarm among guardians, some of whom have threatened to withdraw their children if urgent action is not taken.

Sanitation crisis in the school
According to school authorities, a planned construction of new washrooms has stalled due to lack of funds, forcing the school to continue using old facilities that were poorly constructed and lack basic features like doors and windows.

According to Otec News’ reporter Elizabeth Gyamfuaa Fosu, the sanitation facilities at the school, with over 800 pupils, have deteriorated over time, with a lack of running water.

The unclean urinals are posing serious health hazards to pupils.

The infections, believed to be mostly urinary and skin-related, have led to increased absenteeism.

Pupils’ distress
The children who spoke to the reporter explained that the lack of proper sanitation makes it extremely difficult to relieve themselves during school hours.

According to them, they often have to request permission from their teachers to visit nearby homes in search of washroom facilities, they say, is not only uncomfortable but also disrupts their learning.

“It’s very difficult for us. The toilets are dirty and smelly. Sometimes, we have to go to people’s houses to use their washrooms,” a pupil at the school said.

Additionally, the students highlighted the danger they face when crossing a major road in front of the school just to access a washroom outside the premises.

Another pupil highlighted the dangers they face just to relieve themselves.

“We cross the big road to look for toilets. Cars move very fast, and it’s scary,” he told the reporter.

They described the situation as both unsafe and distressing.

Parents demand swift response
Frustrated by what they call long-standing neglect, parents are calling on the District Assembly and the Ghana Education Service to intervene immediately.

“We can’t watch our children fall sick every term. If nothing is done soon, we’ll move them to safer schools,” one concerned parent said.

School authorities appeal for support
Some of the teachers of the school confirmed the reports and appealed for help, and that noted that repeated requests for repairs and sanitation support have gone unanswered.

“We are doing our best, but without proper facilities, the children are at risk,” he stated.

“We’ve sent several requests for support, but so far, nothing has been done.”

“We are doing our best, but without proper facilities, the children are at risk,” they stated.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/ Elizabeth Gyamfuaa Fosu