Children in Midie, located in Ghana’s Ada East District of the Greater Accra Region, are forced to wade barefoot through thick mud and stagnant water daily to reach their school. This hazardous daily commute involves carrying school bags and shoes as they navigate a dangerous stretch of road connecting their community to Aminapa, the location of their only nearby basic school, Aminapa D/A Basic School.
Daily Struggle for Access
A recent visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) revealed younger children being assisted by older siblings and classmates to cross slippery, muddy sections of the road. Residents report that this pathway becomes nearly impassable during the rainy season, posing significant risks to the pupils.
The estimated 50-meter muddy stretch is a daily obstacle for schoolchildren commuting to Aminapa D/A Basic School. Parents have expressed deep concern, noting that the situation deteriorates significantly after rainfall. This not only endangers the children but also negatively impacts school attendance.
Tragically, a child reportedly lost her life in the past while attempting to use the same road under similar perilous conditions, highlighting the severity of the issue.
Unfulfilled Promises and Community Frustration
Residents like Thomas Korley, a parent, shared their long-standing frustration with repeated unfulfilled promises from political leaders regarding road rehabilitation. “It has not been easy even for adults to use the road, not to talk of schoolchildren who cross it every day to go to school,” Korley stated.
He voiced disappointment over what he described as a pattern of broken promises from authorities, specifically mentioning the Member of Parliament (MP) with the sentiment, “as for our MP, she only knows how to promise. I don’t want to talk about her.”
Another resident, Isaiah Korle, echoed these sentiments, confirming that appeals have been made numerous times to the assembly member, district chief executive, and the MP. Despite these appeals, the dangerous section of the road remains unattended. “They keep telling us they will come, but nothing happens. What if our children die while trying to cross the stream?” he questioned.
Korle added that while a portion of the road was gravelled under a previous administration, the most dangerous section was overlooked. This suggests a history of incomplete or insufficient interventions.
Economic Repercussions
The poor road network is not only affecting education but also hindering economic activities in Midie. Angel Esther, a salt miner, explained that buyers are often reluctant to travel to the community to purchase salt due to the road’s condition, especially during the rainy season.
Transporting foodstuffs and other goods to nearby markets has also become a challenge. Commercial motorbike riders, a common mode of transport for goods, are hesitant to use the route when it rains.
Furthermore, the community lacks a junior high school, forcing pupils to travel approximately three kilometers to Togbloku or Pute for further education. This distance, combined with the poor road conditions, places a substantial burden on both parents and students, particularly during the wet season.
“Our men and youth have motor tricycles, but they cannot use them to transport salt because of the road. Most times, we hire tractors before we can move the salt to the markets,” residents explained, illustrating the economic limitations imposed by the inadequate infrastructure.
Temporary Measures and Future Outlook
When contacted, the Assembly Member for the area, Mr. Prosper Tetteh Puplampu, acknowledged the community’s concerns. He confirmed that efforts are underway to provide a temporary solution to the immediate problem.
Puplampu stated that he had appealed to both the District Chief Executive (DCE) and the MP for gravel to fill the dangerous section of the road. This is intended as an interim measure pending a larger road construction project.
“That portion will be fixed before Sunday. The MP has directed that some trips of gravel be sent to temporarily address the situation,” the Assembly Member assured. This indicates a potential short-term relief for the schoolchildren and residents.
The situation in Midie highlights a persistent issue of inadequate infrastructure in rural areas, impacting education, safety, and economic development. While temporary measures are being implemented, the community awaits a lasting solution to ensure safe passage for its children and to foster economic growth.
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