Riley-Opoku Anglican Junior High School in Sefwi Anhwiaso, in the Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai Municipality, is calling for urgent help as its old and weak classroom building puts the lives of students and teachers in danger.
Headteacher, Mr. Richard Annor, has made a desperate appeal to government authorities, educational stakeholders, and benevolent individuals to urgently come to the aid of the school before tragedy strikes.
According to him, despite the school’s impressive BECE results and strong reputation for academic excellence in the Anhwiaso area, the building housing the school is in such a deplorable state that it now threatens the safety of both students and staff.
“We are proud of our performance, but the condition of this school makes teaching and learning risky. We fear for our lives anytime it rains or the wind blows strongly,” — Mr. Annor lamented.
Supporting the call, the Assembly Member for the Sefwi Anhwiaso Electoral Area, Mr. Sampson Gyapong, expressed his deep frustration, stating that he has raised the issue on several occasions at Assembly meetings but no meaningful action has been taken.
He appealed to prominent individuals from Sefwi Anhwiaso—especially those who attended the school—to remember their roots and contribute toward the construction of a new classroom block.
“The structure has gone beyond minor repairs. We urgently need a complete reconstruction to safeguard the lives of our children,” he emphasized.
Mr. Gyapong also called on NGOs, corporate organizations, and the Ministry of Education to treat the matter as a priority, noting that education is the foundation for community development.
Some students of Riley-Opoku Anglican JHS also voiced their concerns, revealing that classes are often suspended whenever there are signs of rain, as the building cannot withstand strong winds.
They pleaded for immediate support to enable them to learn in a safer and improved environment.
The entire school community remains hopeful that their collective appeal will reach the attention of relevant authorities and well-meaning individuals who can help restore the dignity of Riley-Opoku Anglican JHS and provide a safer future for the children of Sefwi Anhwiaso.
Credit: Kwame Adolf Asmah
