The Memchemfre Community Day School, established in the Kwahu Afram Plains North district of the Eastern Region, has ceased operations after seven years, leaving teachers and stakeholders in limbo over its future.
Commissioned in 2016 under the NDC government’s community day school initiative, the school drew enthusiasm from residents and surrounding communities.
It was hailed for its promise to provide quality education, supported by professional teachers appointed by the Ghana Education Service.
Despite its initial popularity, the school’s infrastructure has deteriorated significantly. The once-vibrant campus is overrun by bush, and the e-block classrooms suffer from dislodged ceilings.
Reports indicate a stark decline in student enrollment, with only a handful showing interest in recent admissions cycles.
Last year, only one student enrolled out of over 400 allocated to Memchemfre Community Day School through the computerized placement system.
Parents and educators cite several factors contributing to the school’s collapse, including its remote location, lack of accommodation for students and staff, and the substantial distances students must travel daily.
Moses Tanyigbe, Assistant Supervisor at the Kwahu Afram Plains North District Education Directorate, confirmed the school’s closure, noting ongoing discussions among district stakeholders about repurposing the school’s infrastructure.
Obeng Koranteng Addae, District Secretary of GNAT, expressed concern over the plight of teachers stationed at the school, who remain inactive but receive salaries. He proposed transforming the school into a college of education to address the region’s teacher shortage effectively.
As the fate of Memchemfre Community Day School hangs in the balance, local education advocates and parents hope for revitalization through improved facilities or a strategic transformation to effectively meet the district’s educational needs.
