By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
Concerns are mounting over pupil safety at Yaa Achiaa M/A Basic School in Kumasi, where a commercial construction project approved by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has left a deep, unguarded excavation on school grounds.
An investigation by Ashantibiz News has revealed that the construction site, situated on a portion of the school compound, remains open and unfenced. Kindergarten pupils are particularly at risk, as they currently have unrestricted access to the hazardous pit.
The KMA has confirmed that the project is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) aimed at replacing unauthorized structures with modern commercial units. Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye, the Public Relations Officer for the KMA, stated that the Assembly is aware of the situation and has instructed the contractor to secure the site immediately.
“This is a partnership between the KMA and a private developer,” Ms. Aboagye said. “We have directed the contractor to hoard the entire area to ensure the safety of the students. Our engineers will be deployed to the site to ensure that the area is properly cordoned off.”
Despite these assurances, parents and school administrators have expressed deep concern over the delay in implementing safety measures. They are calling for urgent, decisive action to secure the site before a tragedy occurs.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
