Collapsed Classroom Block at Suhum Presby SHS Deepens Infrastructure Crisis in Ghanaian Schools

Suhum, Eastern Region – A two-unit classroom block at the Presbyterian Senior High School (Presby SHS) in Suhum has collapsed, exacerbating the already dire infrastructure challenges faced by students and staff. The incident, which occurred earlier this week, has displaced dozens of students and sparked renewed public outcry over the deteriorating state of educational facilities across the country.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported, as the building gave way after school hours. However, school authorities have described the structure’s collapse as a disaster waiting to happen, citing repeated appeals for renovations that went unanswered.

“We’ve been raising alarms about the poor state of this building for years. Now that it’s collapsed, the students have nowhere to go,” said a teacher who requested anonymity for fear of reprisal.

Safety and Learning in Jeopardy

Students now attend classes under trees or in overcrowded rooms, forcing some lessons to be merged or cancelled altogether. The lack of proper shelter is affecting academic performance and morale.

“We feel neglected. How can we be expected to pass exams when we’re learning under trees or standing in cramped hallways?” one final-year student lamented.

A Symptom of a Bigger Problem

The incident at Suhum is not isolated. Across Ghana, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, school buildings are crumbling, roofs are leaking, and furniture is in short supply. According to the Ghana Education Service (GES), over 5,000 classrooms nationwide are deemed unsafe, but limited funding and bureaucratic delays continue to stall rehabilitation efforts.

Local and National Reactions

The school’s parent-teacher association (PTA) has called for immediate intervention and transparency on the use of infrastructure-related funds. Meanwhile, local MP has pledged to raise the issue in Parliament, calling it a “failure of the government’s promise to improve secondary education.”

Civil society groups have also weighed in, urging the Ministry of Education to publish an infrastructure audit and prioritize safety and sustainability in school construction.

What Happens Next?

In the short term, the school is appealing to alumni, NGOs, and the private sector for temporary support—such as tents, furniture, and funding—while awaiting a formal response from the District Education Directorate.

But the broader question remains: How many more schools must collapse before systemic reform takes place?