Yonso schools cry for help as lack of toilet facility affects attendance, raises health concerns

The head teachers of Yonso M/A Primary School and Yonso Islamic Primary School in the Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region have issued a desperate appeal to the Mampong Municipal Assembly for the construction of toilet facilities in their schools.

The lack of basic sanitation, according to them, is affecting academic performance and poses a serious health threat to both pupils and staff.

Mr. Zeid Majidu, head teacher of Yonso M/A Primary School, and Mr. Jephthah Owusu Mensah of Yonso Islamic Primary School made the appeal during a short ceremony on Monday, October 13, 2025.

The occasion was to receive a donation of football jerseys worth GH¢5,000 from Elder Emmanuel Osei Tawiah, CEO of the Omene Bour Nana Fun Club.

The donation was presented on his behalf by Kwame Agyenim Boateng.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Zeid Majidu lamented the absence of toilet facilities at the schools, stating that many pupils take advantage of the situation to skip classes under the pretext of going home to relieve themselves.

“The children and teachers are struggling with accessing a toilet facility here, and most of the children take advantage of it, go home, and never return,” he said.

He further revealed that the lack of proper sanitation has led to widespread open defecation on the school compound.

“Human faeces are scattered all over the place, and I am afraid of a cholera outbreak. A situation if not immediately solved can be disastrous,” he added, appealing for urgent intervention from the municipal authorities.

The head teacher of Yonso Islamic Primary School, Mr. Jephthah Owusu Mensah, echoed similar concerns and appealed for additional support from the Assembly.

He requested teaching and learning materials such as multi-based blocks, abacuses, a television set for digital learning, and a lawn mower to help maintain the school compound.

He also called for the fencing of the school to prevent encroachment and keep students from leaving during lessons.

“We need the school to be fenced to prevent encroachers and children running away from classes. We also need a proper kitchen to prepare meals for the children,” Mr. Owusu Mensah emphasized.

Both head teachers also appealed to the Member of Parliament for Mampong, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, to assist in constructing new classroom blocks to replace the old and dilapidated structures currently in use.

They believe that such support would enhance the quality of teaching and learning and provide a safer environment for both pupils and teachers.

In response, Kwame Agyenim Boateng, who presented the jerseys on behalf of Elder Emmanuel Osei Tawiah, reaffirmed the Fun Club’s commitment to supporting education and sports in the Yonso community.

He called on other well-meaning individuals and institutions to contribute towards improving the conditions in the schools.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah