A viral video on social media shows teachers and students of Pokukrom Ibrahimgya Islamic JHS in the Ahafo Ano-South East District of the Ashanti Region stranded, as the Chief Executive Officer of Masum Construction Limited, Abu Masum, has locked up the school due to government’s prolonged delay in settling payment for work done.
The development at Pokukrom Ibrahimgya Islamic Junior High School, which has come about as a result of delayed payments from the government, is a matter of grave concern that requires immediate attention and resolution.
The plight of teachers and students who are now stranded as a result of this situation cannot be overstated. Education is a fundamental right and any disruption to the learning environment adversely affects the academic progress and well-being of the students.
It is disheartening to hear that the Chief Executive Officer of Masum Construction Limited felt compelled to take such drastic action due to the delay in settling payment for services rendered. This situation not only reflects poorly on the government’s financial management, but also puts the education of these young learners at risk.
The closure of the school has disrupted the daily routine of the teachers and students, denying them access to their school. Furthermore, this creates an atmosphere of uncertainty and instability within the school community, which can have long-term effect on the academic performance and morale of both teachers and students.
We call on the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Education and the Ashanti Regional Directorate of Education, to urgently intervene and facilitate the swift resolution of this issue. It is imperative that outstanding payments owed to Masum Construction Limited be settled promptly to ensure the reopening of Pokukrom Ibrahimgya Islamic JHS without further delay.
Additionally, measures should be put in place to prevent similar situations from occurring in the future. Proper financial planning and accountability mechanisms must be enforced to ensure that contractors and service providers are paid in a timely manner, thereby safeguarding the uninterrupted operation of educational institutions across the country.
Education is the cornerstone of national development and every effort must be made to protect and prioritise the educational rights of our children. The closure of Pokukrom Ibrahimgya Islamic JHS serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing financial obligations promptly to prevent disruptions in the education sector.
We urge all stakeholders involved to expedite the resolution process and restore normalcy to Pokukrom Ibrahimgya Islamic JHS without further delay.
