ABANDONED SCHOOL BUILDINGS IS A SOCIAL SICKNESS FOR GHANA

By CUG NEWS MEDIA

 


In Ghana, the issue of abandoned and incomplete school buildings has become a chronic problem. Structures meant to provide education and opportunities for generations of young Ghanaians now stand as symbols of government failure and societal neglect. From bustling cities to remote villages, abandoned school buildings can be found in various stages of disrepair, serving as a constant reminder of the unfulfilled promises made by successive governments.

The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where access to education is already limited. Many families in these communities have to travel long distances to send their children to school. When the only school in the area is left incomplete or abandoned, their hopes for a better future are shattered. Agyawiem D/A Basic School shares this fate, as six-unit classrooms have been left to rot. According to residents, the construction of the building began in 2016 and was abandoned after reaching 80% completion. "The former MP, Gabriel Osei, started it but didn’t complete it. Now the new MP has said nothing about it," stated Mr. Yaw Kuma, a committee member.

One of the reasons for the high number of abandoned school buildings in Ghana is the lack of planning and proper management by the government. In many cases, the construction of these buildings is initiated without proper feasibility studies or consultation with local communities. As a result, many of these projects are not completed, or the completed ones are not suitable for the community's needs.

Moreover, corruption and mismanagement within the government have also contributed to the prevalence of abandoned school buildings in Ghana. It is not uncommon for contracts to be awarded to incompetent contractors, resulting in shoddy construction work and eventual abandonment of the project. Additionally, there have been reports of misappropriation of funds meant for school construction, further hindering the progress of these projects. The government's lack of transparency and accountability in these matters has left communities with unfinished buildings that serve no purpose.

The consequences of abandoned school buildings in Ghana are multifaceted and far-reaching. Firstly, it deprives children of their fundamental right to education. This lack of access to education perpetuates the cycle of poverty and hinders the country's economic development. Education is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty, and the failure to provide it to all children is a significant setback for the country's progress.

The issue of abandoned school buildings is not a new one in Ghana. For decades, governments have made promises to complete these projects and provide quality education for all. However, these promises have remained unfulfilled, and the issue persists. The lack of political will and prioritization of education by the government has only worsened the situation. In 2014, the World Bank reported that Ghana spent only 1.3% of its gross domestic product (GDP) on education, which falls far below the recommended 4-6%. This inadequate allocation of funds demonstrates the government's lack of commitment to addressing the issue of abandoned school buildings and improving the education sector as a whole.

In the face of this social sickness that plagues the nation, it is crucial for all governments to take urgent action. Firstly, there must be a comprehensive assessment of all abandoned school buildings in the country to determine the extent of the problem and identify solutions. This should be followed by proper planning and community involvement in the construction and management of school buildings. The government must also ensure transparency and accountability in the allocation and use of funds for school construction.

Civil society organizations and the private sector also have a role to play in addressing the issue of abandoned school buildings in Ghana. They can partner with the government to provide financial and technical support for school construction projects and monitor the progress of these projects to ensure their completion and suitability for the community's needs.

In conclusion, the abandoned school buildings in Ghana are a social sickness that affects not only the government but also the entire society. It is a reflection of the government's failure to fulfill its duty of providing quality education for all. The situation must be urgently addressed to ensure that every child in Ghana has access to education and a chance for a better future. It is time for the government, civil society, and the private sector to work together to eradicate this issue and provide a brighter future for the children of Ghana.

By Justice Addai

This bog is for students to practice and enhance their news gathering ability.

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