Bankpama residents raise alarm over dilapidated teachers’ quarters

Bankpama community teachers bungalow

Residents of Bankpama in the Wa West District are calling for urgent government intervention over the deteriorating state of their teachers’ quarters, which they describe as a “death trap.”

According to the residents, the structure has developed deep cracks and is on the verge of collapse, posing a serious risk to the lives of teachers posted to the area.

Due to the poor condition of the building, many teachers are forced to live in Wa and commute daily to the community to carry out their duties.

The daily commute, residents say, has had a negative impact on teaching and learning. Some teachers reportedly arrive at the school as late as 10:00 a.m. and leave by 1:00 p.m., significantly reducing instructional hours for pupils.

Speaking to Info Radio, a community member, Mr. Dari Biekyel, explained that the residents themselves had molded bricks and constructed the teachers’ quarters in an effort to improve education in the area.

He noted that former Member of Parliament, Joseph Yieleh Chireh, once supported them by helping to roof the building. However, the structure has since fallen into disrepair and now endangers the lives of the few teachers stationed there.

Mr. Biekyel added that the school suffers from a shortage of teachers, a situation that has discouraged many children from attending school.

“The lack of accommodation and poor facilities are driving teachers away, and now our children are the ones suffering,” he lamented.

Echoing his concerns, another resident, Madam Yiripaala Faustina, said, “You can stand outside and see into the rooms through the cracks in the walls.”

The residents are appealing to the government, the Ghana Education Service, and other stakeholders to take immediate action to rehabilitate the teachers’ quarters and provide additional teaching staff to ensure quality education for children in the community.