Residents of Volo in Ghana’s North Tongu Constituency are urgently seeking assistance after a severe rainstorm on April 28, 2026, ripped off the roof of the Volo Community Day Senior High School, displacing students and jeopardizing upcoming examinations.
The powerful storm, which lasted approximately 15 to 20 minutes around 3:30 p.m., caused extensive damage, exposing classrooms to heavy rainfall and flooding critical school facilities.
Storm’s Devastating Impact
Strong winds tore away sections of the E-block roof, leaving classrooms vulnerable and flooding offices, including the bursar’s office. The storm’s fury extended beyond the school grounds, impacting at least three homes within the community, though the educational institution bore the brunt of the destruction.
Anthony Menuah, the Assembly Member for the Volo Electoral Area, highlighted the critical timing of the disaster. With the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) set to commence on May 4 and the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) ongoing, the damage poses a significant threat to the examination process.
Volo Community Day Senior High School serves as a vital examination center for surrounding communities like Tagadzi, intensifying the urgency for immediate repairs. Mr. Menuah warned that without swift intervention, the school’s compromised infrastructure could lead to the disruption of these crucial national examinations.
Students Displaced, Learning Disrupted
The storm’s impact was also felt within the school’s hostels, where some students’ belongings were soaked by rainwater. In a temporary measure, affected students have been relocated to makeshift structures, raising concerns about overcrowding and the potential negative effects on their academic focus and performance.
School authorities, led by Headmaster Eric Dzeble, responded swiftly to ensure student safety. “Our first priority was to keep students away from the damaged classrooms,” Mr. Dzeble stated. He confirmed that one final-year student who sustained injuries was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment.
To mitigate further damage and ensure continuity, school furniture, including desks and chairs, was moved from exposed areas. Classes have been temporarily relocated to safer buildings, a move aimed at minimizing the disruption to teaching and learning.
Urgent Appeal for Support and Assessment
Mr. Menuah has issued an urgent appeal to government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the general public for support in rehabilitating the damaged school facilities. The goal is to restore a conducive learning environment for the students as quickly as possible.
Officials from the District Assembly, including the District Engineer, Planning Officer, and the District Director of Education, have visited the school. They are currently assessing the full extent of the damage to determine the necessary interventions and resources required for repairs.
Looking Ahead
The immediate focus remains on securing the school and ensuring that examinations can proceed without further disruption. The coming days will be critical in determining the timeline for repairs and the long-term impact on the student population and the Volo community. Attention will be on how quickly external aid can be mobilized and deployed to restore the school’s infrastructure, and whether temporary learning spaces will be adequate to maintain academic standards.
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