Over 3,000 pupils at the Kwashieman Cluster of Schools in the Greater Accra region’s Ablekuma North constituency are hardly coping with the aftermath from a terrible fire that destroyed a significant school structure.
The building that housed the school’s library, science lab, and examination center was completely destroyed by the fire that started on Tuesday. Ballot papers from the just-concluded general elections of 2024 were also in the premises.
During her visit to the school, JoyNews‘ Jacqueline Ansomah Yeboah observed pupils waiting to take their exams in makeshift areas that were frequently exposed to the intense heat. Many don’t know when normal classes will start up again.
Ablekuma North Education Director Perry Ofori said the affected building served multiple educational levels, with a primary school on the ground floor and two Junior High Schools on the upper levels. “The fire appears to have started in the library, and the building has been extensively damaged,” Ofori said.
He said that as authorities continue to look into what caused the incident, attempts are being made to transfer more than 1,200 kids.
Students have suffered a great deal emotionally. The school plans to provide counselling services to help them cope with the trauma.
The school community is optimistic in spite of the difficulties. Another teacher stated, “We will rebuild and work together to help these students get back on track.”
The Kwashieman Cluster of Schools is concentrating on recovery while the investigations go on. During this trying time, the local community has come together to assist the students’ education and rebuild the facilities.
