International musician ends 5years bat infestation at Bakpe basic school

After five years, the bat infestation at Bakpe Basic School, a public junior high school in the Ho West District of the Volta Region, has finally been resolved.

This positive change comes thanks to international recording artist George V Johnson Jr., known as Baba George, who is also a resident teacher with the Somnia Osbrain Foundation. He generously donated funds to facilitate a fumigation exercise.

Samuel Adzinku, the assistant head of the school, shared that the infestation has caused significant distress for years, with the odor from bat droppings filling the ceilings, making both classrooms and offices nearly unbearable to use. Previous attempts to resolve the issue had failed until Baba George's visit for the Rhythms of Mother Africa project—a music initiative aimed at teaching students music and nurturing their artistic talents—provided the financial support needed for the fumigation.

Adzinku expressed heartfelt gratitude to Baba George, especially as the school can now breathe a sigh of relief knowing that this long-standing problem has been effectively addressed. Due to the toxicity and strong odors of the fumigation chemicals, students were asked to remain home for at least two days following the exercise.

On Wednesday, January 29, the fumigation covered all classrooms, offices, restrooms, and storage areas, as well as the tree in the center of the school grounds, causing the bats to abandon their previous dwellings. Osborne Martin Gatugbe, Chief Director of the Somnia Osbrain Foundation and a Computing Facilitator at the school, noted that the bats, which initially retreated from one block, simply moved to another, worsening the infestation.

In an interview, Baba George emphasized the importance of providing students with a conducive learning environment. He highlighted that for students to thrive academically, they should learn in spaces that are physically comfortable, emotionally supportive, and free from distractions. This includes ensuring proper ventilation, sufficient lighting, and clean facilities, all of which contribute to better health, reduced anxiety, and improved focus. It was this commitment to enhancing the students’ learning conditions that motivated him to adopt the school and fund the fumigation effort.