Parents, school authorities and community leaders in Nsawam are appealing to government and municipal officials to intervene after a structure erected about 10 metres behind A.M.E. Zion Basic School allegedly turned into a smoking ground, raising safety and distraction concerns for pupils.
The structure, described by residents as a "wee base," is accessible through the school’s unwalled compound, forcing people to pass directly through school grounds to reach the site.
School Chaplain, Rev. Felix Adjei, said the proximity of the site to classrooms and play areas has become a major distraction, particularly for kindergarten pupils.
"The school compound is unwalled, which allows people to pass through the school grounds to reach the site," Rev. Adjei said. "The proximity of the place to the school means pupils are often drawn to look when people pass by."
He described the location as a "bedding area" and noted that while there has been no loud music or noise during class hours, the movement of unfamiliar people through the compound disrupts pupils’ attention, especially during breaks.
School officials say the issue emerged about a month ago. So far, they report no direct incidents of sexual activity on school premises linked to the site, but they remain worried about the potential risk posed by unregulated foot traffic through the compound.
Community leaders say the matter has been formally raised with the chief and elders at the palace, who acknowledged the concern and have tasked people to investigate.
School representatives and the Municipal Chief Executive visited the palace together, and the person alleged to be responsible for the site was invited for questioning, according to the school.
Parents are now appealing to the Municipal Coordinating Director, Mr. Jasper Adenyo, to use his office’s influence to help resolve the situation.
School authorities say they are pressing for immediate measures to secure the school environment, including fencing the compound and enforcing regulations to prevent smoking and loitering around the school.
"The school reiterated its call for government support to ensure pupils can learn in a safe, undisturbed environment," a school representative stated.
As of press time, the office of the Municipal Coordinating Director and other relevant agencies had not issued a public response.
School authorities said they welcome community and media attention to the matter as they continue to advocate for a secure learning environment for the pupils of A.M.E. Zion Basic School.
