Students of Sakamkrom M/A Primary School today staged a peaceful demonstration against the Sakamkrom community and traditional leaders over the persistent issue of open defecation on school premises.
The demonstration, which lasted for approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, began at the school premises this morning and ended at the king’s palace, where the students and teachers disrupted the ongoing community engagement meeting.
According to the students, they have endured open defecation on their classroom blocks for over 5 years, despite repeated efforts to address the issue.
“We dress up nicely for school, only to be greeted by filth and stench. We’ve tried everything to stop this, but the community doesn’t seem to care,” said a student leader.
The Headmaster, Mr. Akwasi Nantwi, emphasized that their peaceful demonstration aimed to bring attention to the health risks and discomfort caused by the open defecation. “Myself and the teachers have taken all measures to seize this, but it is beyond our limit. Nananom have to do something. The most unfortunate thing is that we arrested some of the guys who were doing that sometime ago, and nananom went and pleaded for their release. So unfortunate. When they were released, the next day we came and the classrooms welcomed us with toilets.”
Sakamkrom M/A Primary demands immediate action to address open defecation on school premises, community involvement in maintaining school sanitation, and provision of adequate toilet facilities.
REACTION:
The king and his elders have promised to engage with the community and find a lasting solution.
“We understand the concerns of our children and will work together to address this issue,” said the king, Nana Amponsah Akyieno Ababio, Nana Sakamhene.
The Ghana Education Service and local authorities have been informed and are expected to provide support.
Sources: oyerepafmonline.com/Dominic Duut
