Bawku West DCE tours rainstorm-hit communities, calls for standards

The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Bawku West, James Ayamwego, has toured communities affected by a recent rainstorm, describing the level of destruction as devastating and calling for improved construction standards across the district.

Accompanied by technical staff, assembly members, and other stakeholders, the DCE visited several affected communities and schools to assess the extent of damage caused by the windstorm.

Speaking to the media during the tour, Mr. Ayamwego expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that the destruction of school infrastructure would significantly disrupt teaching and learning.

“This is very, very bad and devastating. I am deeply saddened by what I have seen,” he said.

At Kubongo Primary School, a three-unit classroom block serving Kindergarten to Primary Six was severely damaged. The situation has worsened congestion, as two streams were already sharing a single classroom before the disaster.

“The little accommodation they had is now destroyed, leaving the school in a very difficult situation,” the DCE added.

Mr. Ayamwego also visited Hamdania Islamic School and Ankpalga Primary School, which were similarly affected by the storm.

He attributed part of the damage to substandard construction practices, accusing some contractors of failing to adhere to approved specifications.

According to him, there is a need for collective responsibility to ensure quality infrastructure. He called on community members, teachers, and technical officers to play active roles in supervising construction projects to ensure buildings can withstand harsh weather conditions.

Meanwhile, teachers in the affected schools have expressed concern about the impact on academic activities. Some noted that students are now forced to write examinations early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat due to the lack of proper classroom structures.

Authorities are expected to explore immediate interventions to support affected schools and restore normal academic work.