Collapsed classroom block deepens infrastructure crisis at Suhum PRESEC

The collapse of a two-unit classroom block has worsened already dire infrastructure challenges at the Presbyterian Senior High School in Suhum, Eastern Region, raising concerns ahead of the arrival of first-year students in the coming days.

Established 31 years ago, the school has long struggled with inadequate facilities, a situation made worse by increased enrollment under the Double Track system introduced through the Free Senior High School policy.

The recent collapse of the classroom block, along with a deteriorating fence wall and several abandoned infrastructure projects, has left the school overwhelmed and uncertain about how to accommodate students.

Headmaster Edwin Odame Amoah expressed grave concern about the situation. “The classrooms got destroyed when a rainstorm occurred last week. The females fence wall was also affected, this has made the place porous, girls are moving to town at odd hours, we cannot guarantee their safety. What's more worrying, the first years would report to school, getting classrooms for them would be difficult,” he said.

Student Christabel Affail echoed the urgency for intervention. “That classroom served an important purpose, since it's collapse, students have to be moved to the incomplete dining hall and stalled administration block, we need it fixed urgently,” she added.

Currently, the school has an enrollment of 3,376 students. Despite its infrastructure setbacks, it managed to achieve a 75 percent pass rate in the 2024 WASSCE.

Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Education, Peter Nortsu Kotoe, who visited the region, acknowledged the widespread infrastructure needs of senior high schools.

“We urge government to provide resources for the completion of these projects so the students can have a conducive atmosphere to learn,” he said.

The situation at Suhum PRESEC reflects broader challenges facing many public senior high schools across the country, particularly those operating under the Double Track system.