Abandoned projects have become a major concern in the Western Region particularly in Shama District when it comes to educational infrastructure
Opinion leaders are urging the authorities to prioritize completing stalled school projects to improve teaching and learning.
Abandoned school projects plague the Shama Constituency. Starting from the Ohiamadwen D/A Primary where in 2015, the NDC administration began constructing a teachers’ bungalow, but was abandoned after losing the 2016 elections to NPP.
And then a three-unit classroom block for Assorko Junior High School, initiated by the former MP, Ato Panford and the Shama District Assembly in 2019. When Ato Panford lost the 2019 NPP primaries to Lawyer Samuel Erickson Abeka, the 45% complete project was abandoned.
Another contentious project is the uncompleted polyclinic, began in 2004. The facility, meant to serve 68,000 people, remains unfinished despite being 85% complete.
Asmoro Essaman, a rapidly growing community of approximately 7,000 residents, faces significant education challenges. In an interview, Chief Linguist Isaac Cobbinah revealed that severe overcrowding has forced the local school to divide classes into four streams, with each stream accommodating around 60 students.
“Our rapidly growing community has led to a significant increase in school enrollment at Essaman Primary School. To manage the numbers, classes are divided into four groups in alphabetical order, with each group exceeding 60 pupils – totaling over 200 students in just class one.
We initially welcomed the construction project, expecting it to alleviate congestion. However, due to abandonment, the site has regrettably reverted to a forested state,” he lamented.
To address the overcrowding, the District Assembly and GNPC partnered to construct a six-unit classroom block with a six-month deadline. However, progress halted unexpectedly at the roofing level without explanation.
“This building is under the care of the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC). The feasibility study began two years ago, followed by construction commencement in January last year, with a six-month deadline to enable student admission for this academic year. However, the project has been left unattended and abandoned, with no further updates or explanation”.
Despite two unfinished projects, the current Member of Parliament Samuel Erickson Abeka, and the assembly’s three-unit classroom block which they began has also stalled after reaching the roofing stage.
An opinion leader in the community, Robert Eten indicates the school was forced to turn away many students this academic year due to limited capacity.
“This critical shortage denies many school-aged children access to education this academic year. We urgently appeal for attention to address this issue.” He indicated.
The community is urging authorities to prioritize the completion of all stalled projects to enhance teaching and learning.
“”Education is often considered the key to success, but we face a harsh reality: insufficient classrooms”.
“Our school’s infrastructure is a major concern for us. We have one, but it’s insufficient, and we urgently need more. We plead for the completion of the halted projects.” he said.
