Teachers and students at Anlo-Afiadenyigba Senior High School (AFIASEC) in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region are urgently appealing to authorities for a consistent water supply and enhanced security measures. The plea comes amid ongoing challenges that are significantly disrupting academic activities and daily life on campus, affecting the school’s 800-strong student population.
Water Woes Hamper Daily Operations
The Assistant Headmaster of Administration, Mr. Francis Seshie, highlighted the critical impact of the intermittent water flow. “The current water situation is really affecting us,” he stated in an interview with the Ghana News Agency. The irregular supply from the municipal system forces reliance on often inadequate resources, leading to shortages during peak demand periods.
Water is indispensable for the school’s functioning, underpinning sanitation, dining hall operations, and basic hygiene in dormitories. “The school cannot run effectively without a proper supply of water,” Mr. Seshie emphasized. When water runs dry, lessons are frequently interrupted as students are compelled to search for water instead of attending classes.
Students have voiced their frustration over the difficulty in maintaining personal hygiene and cleanliness in the dormitories due to the erratic water availability. In response to the shortages, the school has resorted to fetching water from neighboring communities on weekends, a practice that further strains resources and impacts the school’s operational efficiency.
Security Concerns Mount Following Dormitory Fire
Compounding the water crisis are growing security concerns, particularly the lack of adequate security personnel. Mr. Seshie expressed anxiety over the absence of watchmen, especially around the boys’ and girls’ dormitories. This vulnerability has heightened unease among students and staff, especially following a recent fire incident that affected the boys’ dormitory.
Students have shared experiences of feeling unsafe when moving between dormitories and washrooms after dark. They are appealing for the implementation of regular security patrols around the school compound, particularly during nighttime hours when movement is restricted and risks are perceived to be higher.
Calls for Intervention from GES and Municipal Assembly
The school administration has formally appealed to the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Keta Municipal Assembly for immediate intervention. The increasing student population has placed significant pressure on the existing facilities, exacerbating the water and security challenges.
Local Member of Parliament (MP), Mr. Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, and Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Mr. Wisdom Seade, have acknowledged the issues. They indicated that discussions are underway with the Ghana Water Company Limited and the Electricity Company of Ghana to address the water supply problems, including power fluctuations that affect its consistent flow.
Looking Ahead: Hope for Improved Conditions
Teachers and students remain hopeful that these pressing concerns will be addressed promptly. A stable water supply and a secure environment are seen as crucial factors that will not only improve the wellbeing of the school community but also significantly enhance academic performance and student discipline.
The situation at Anlo-Afiadenyigba SHS highlights the broader challenges faced by educational institutions in rapidly growing areas, where infrastructure development must keep pace with rising student numbers. The focus now shifts to the response from the GES, the Keta Municipal Assembly, and the utility companies to ensure a safe and conducive learning environment for the students.
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