Aflao, V/R — May 23 2025
With just days to the start of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), over 120 final-year students of Peter Wender’s Basic School at Aflao-Sepenukope in the Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region have been left without classrooms following the destruction of their Junior High School (JHS) block during a recent heavy downpour.
The devastating storm completely ripped off the roof of the JHS block few days ago, rendering the learning space unusable and exposing students and staff to severe academic disruption at a critical moment in the school calendar. The affected candidates, many of whom are already grappling with exam-related stress, are now left studying in compromised conditions, raising serious concerns about their readiness and morale.
In a show of solidarity and swift response, Mr. Fogah Nukunu, a respected educationist and politician, and community leader, paid a visit to the school days after the incidence to assess the extent of the damage. Moved by the plight of the students, Mr. Nukunu donated GHC 1,500 as a token contribution toward immediate relief efforts.
“This is not just unfortunate; it is a major educational emergency,” Mr. Nukunu stated. “We cannot allow over a hundred future leaders to be left stranded just days before their first national examination. I am calling on all old students of Peter Wender’s Basic School, natives of Aflao, and stakeholders in education to respond swiftly and help restore this school.”
His call to action is gaining traction within the local community, as parents, teachers, and education officials begin mobilizing resources to salvage the situation. Many fear that without immediate intervention, the affected candidates could suffer not only psychological stress but also poor performance in their BECE a crucial exam that determines placement into senior high schools.
Local education authorities are currently assessing the full extent of the damage, while community members and philanthropists are being urged to contribute towards the reconstruction or temporary shelter for the students.
“This is the time for us all to rise and act. My gesture is a small one, but I believe it can spark a larger movement to restore hope to these students.”
The incident depicts the vulnerability of educational infrastructure in many parts of Ghana, particularly in coastal and rural areas prone to extreme weather events. As climate-related disasters increase in frequency, community resilience and preparedness are becoming more essential than ever.
For the students of Peter Wender’s Basic School, however, the immediate concern is securing a safe and stable learning environment before the BECE begins. Their dreams of progressing to senior high school now hinge not only on their academic efforts but also on the timely support of a concerned and united community.
