The students of Zamse Senior High Technical School (ZAMSTECH) in Bolgatanga, in Ghana’s Upper East Region, are grappling with a severe shortage of furniture and rapidly deteriorating infrastructure, creating a learning environment far removed from what they deserve. The crisis, impacting over 2,600 students, is laid bare in a recent report by Francis Dabre Dabang in the Ghanaian Times, highlighting the urgent need for intervention. Learning has become a daily struggle for these students, forced to attend classes in undignified conditions that are undermining their academic performance and overall well-being. The need for a conducive environment is of utmost importance for these students. The school administration and the students have made a heartfelt plea for support to address this challenge.

The reality at ZAMSTECH is stark: many students are forced to improvise seating arrangements, resorting to sitting on blocks, discarded gallons, or simply the bare floor due to the acute shortage of desks and chairs. This creates an atmosphere that is hardly conducive to learning, which can significantly hinder academic performance. The headmaster, Mr. Simon Anabah, has confirmed the extent of the crisis. “In the 2023/2024 academic year, we admitted 1,009 students, but the furniture crisis pressurised us to limit the number to a little over 800,” he told the Ghanaian Times. The deficiencies extend to the dining hall, where a lack of adequate tables and benches adds to the challenges faced by the student body.

“Because of the issue of lack of chairs and tables in the whole juniors’ block, we have to spread out clothes, put the books on our laps while we copy notes. What is more enduring is that, during exams, we wait for our seniors to write their paper before we have access to their classes and take ours,”

The Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) has attempted to alleviate the problem with a donation of 600 dual desks. While this contribution is commendable, it falls far short of meeting the school’s overwhelming needs. Discipline is also a problem, said an anonymous source, reported in The Ghanaian Times.

Stalled Projects Add to Woes

The situation is further compounded by stalled infrastructure projects, casting a bleak shadow over the school’s future. A 12-unit dormitory block, funded by GETFund, has been abandoned since 2014, posing a significant threat to the academic progress of ZAMSTECH. Similarly, construction of a new dining hall is incomplete, and a 12-unit classroom block remains unfinished. Mr. Anabah has passionately appealed to the government to engage the contractor and ensure the stalled projects are brought to completion. He has also extended his appeal to old students, the PTA, NGOs, and other stakeholders for their support in these trying times. For students dealing with infrastructure challenges, academic success can seem very far away.

The voices of the students themselves paint a vivid picture of the impact of these hardships. Hamdia Wumpini Yakubu, a first-year General Arts student, described how the furniture crisis has contributed to abysmal performance in end-of-semester exams. She poignantly explained that students have to spread out their clothes and balance books on their laps to take notes, and that junior students must wait for seniors to finish exams before gaining access to classrooms. Sophia Kabre Ananga shared her diminished pride as she is forced to lie on her belly to complete class exercises. The students are collectively appealing for urgent government intervention to address the infrastructure and furniture deficits that plague their school.

Addressing the crisis at ZAMSTECH requires immediate and sustained action. The government must intervene to complete stalled projects and provide emergency furniture. Long-term strategies should focus on sustainable funding for infrastructure development and maintenance. Community involvement, with contributions from alumni, the PTA, and other stakeholders, is equally crucial. Implementing policies to ensure the timely completion of educational infrastructure projects would prevent similar situations in the future. The students of ZAMSTECH deserve a conducive learning environment.

The plight of ZAMSTECH and its students underscores the urgent need for attention and resources. As the Ghanaian Times report highlights, the lack of basic amenities is severely impacting students’ learning and dignity. Addressing these challenges requires a concerted effort from the government, school administration, and the community. By prioritizing education and investing in essential resources, ZAMSTECH can provide an environment where students can thrive and achieve their full potential. It is imperative that stakeholders heed this call to action and contribute to a brighter future for the students of ZAMSTECH.