Students of Hwediem Senior High School (SHS) in the Ahafo region have staged a protest against the school’s management, voicing their frustration over inadequate sanitary and academic facilities.
The demonstration took place on April 8, when a large group of agitated students, mostly boys, marched through the school’s principal streets to express their dissatisfaction with conditions that have persisted since 2013.
Sulemana Yahaya, the Boys Senior Prefect (SP) of Hwediem SHS, shared the students’ concerns, including the weak wooden logs on their open toilet facility, which have led to unbearable smells, heat, and a dangerous environment.
He warned that these conditions pose a serious health risk and could potentially lead to an outbreak of disease.
The students also highlighted other pressing issues, such as inadequate meals, insufficient classroom furniture, and a lack of resources in key areas like science and computer labs.
Yahaya noted that students often had to contribute money for basic educational materials and complained about the scarcity of essential items like books and beds.
Additionally, the students accused the school administration of collecting unapproved fees, including a GH₵250 PTA fee each term and demands for 10 bags of cement from students who visit town.
They expressed frustration over the school’s failure to address their complaints, which have been ongoing for over two years.
“We are tired of enduring these poor conditions. Despite our complaints, nothing has changed. We now demand immediate accountability from the authorities,” Yahaya said.
Although tensions were high, calm has since been restored with the help of police support, and normal teaching and learning activities are continuing.
The Asutifi District Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has assured parents and the public that the issues will be addressed promptly and amicably.