By Kweku Bolton
As stipulated in Sustainable Development Goal 6, access to adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all is paramount, particularly for deprived communities and marginalised groups, including persons with all forms of disability. This provision is equally guaranteed in the 1992 constitution of Ghana and the Disability Act of 2006. But not all persons are burnt on making that happen.
At the Akropong School for the Blind, situated in the Eastern Region of Ghana, the school authorities led by the headmistress, Madam Veronica Dery, have rejected an ultramodern 12-seater water closet toilet constructed by the ‘Ekuonaba to The World Family Group,’ a philanthropic Ghanaian community abroad, whose objective is to cater for the less privileged and support the developmental agenda of the country.
Instead of the proposed water closet facility, Madam Dery insisted on a (Kumasi Ventilated Improved Pit) KVIP toilet facility, thereby leaving the project in limbo. Her preference towards the project has prompted an investigation into the matter.
Akropong School For The Blind KVIP Toilet Facility:
The state of Akropong School for the Blind toilet facilities and bathrooms has become a major concern. The toilets are in deplorable condition, with a stench emanating from the septic tank, engulfed in filth, and broken toilet seats, posing a public health risk by spreading infections.
In 2022, the ‘Ekuonaba to The World Family Group,’ a philanthropic Ghanaian community abroad, supported the school by constructing a decent bathroom, which was highly appreciated by the students and authorities. Following this gesture, the headmistress requested a modern toilet facility for the female students, to which the group agreed. In November 2023, the Ekuonaba to The World Family Group generously initiated the construction of an ultramodern 12-seater water closet for the female students at the school. The project, which is now 70% complete, includes separate urinals and a hand-washing facility and is expected to be finished within three months at an estimated cost of 86,000 Ghana cedis.
The Headmistress’s Rejection:
According to the building contractor, Mr. Bismark Adu, and the project supervisor, Madam Doris Asanti, they met with the school authorities to finalise the project for the students. However, the headmistress insisted on KVIP toilets instead of the ultramodern water closet facility, arguing that KVIP toilets would not require the school to provide the amenities needed to run the facility. She therefore instructed the group to relocate their project if they refused to rebuild the KVIP toilets for the students.
In an exclusive interview with the contractor and Madam Doris Asanti, they stated that Headmistress Veronica Dery called off the project and asked the group to relocate the project to a different school if they refused to build the KVIP toilets. Madam Asanti disclosed that they have supported various communities and institutions with projects like potable water, bathrooms, and relief items without any resistance whatsoever.
The Group’s Reaction:
The Ghanaian community members abroad, who spoke to this reporter via Zoom, expressed shock about the position of the headmistress. They had responded to the school’s appeal for better facilities and committed to providing a hygienic environment for the visually impaired students. Due to the stance taken by the headmistress, they are considering relocating the project to any institution in need of assistance. Additionally, they are demanding a refund for the money spent on the project thus far.
The Ghanaian community abroad called on the government and the Minister for Education to dismiss the headmistress and her assistants, including all those seen as incompetent and misusing the school’s resources for personal gain.
GBC News Visit:
On September 26, 2024, the GBCNEWS team visited the school and spoke to the headmistress about the uncompleted toilet project. She initially denied any ongoing toilet facility project but later requested an official letter from GBC before granting any interview. Although an official letter was sent to her on October 28, 2024, copying the assistant headmaster and District Educational PRO to request the interview, the request was declined.
Meanwhile, the PRO, Mr. David Yeboah Agyeman, told the news team that the school needed a KVIP toilet, not an ultramodern water closet facility. On November 4, 2024, the headmistress, Madam Veronica Dery, responded to the letter from GBC News, declining to speak on the matter.
Contractor’s Perspective:
Contractor for the project, Mr. Bismark Adu, said they have worked diligently on the project and completed essential aspects like manholes, pipe connections, roofing, and doors. What is left are painting, fixing of toilet seats, and installation of light with all materials and equipment ready. However, the project has stalled.
The contractor alluded that modern water closet (WC) toilet facilities use a water flush system to dispose of waste into a sewer or septic tank, with built-in mechanisms (like traps) to control odours. Generally, the water closet is considered more hygienic due to the enclosed system and regular flushing as compared to the KVIP toilets, which generate much heat, stench, and spread infections. KVIP toilets are often used in remote areas without access to water.
Medical Professionals:
Meanwhile, health practitioners abroad and at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana have emphasised the importance of providing hygienic toilet facilities to prevent the spread of infections and diseases among visually impaired students.
Students’ Voices:
Speaking on condition of anonymity, some of the students expressed their preference for hygienic toilet facilities with amenities. They highlighted issues such as the lack of proper food, learning materials, and adequate sleeping conditions.
Further Inquiry:
It was alleged that Headmistress Veronica Dery expected the group to provide funds directly to the school for the said toilet construction. On the contrary, the group preferred paying the contractors and workers directly to procure materials themselves.
About Akropong School for the Blind:
Established in 1946, the Akropong School for the Blind in the Akuapem North Municipality of the Eastern Region caters for the visually impaired, including students with special needs. It was observed that the school requires major renovations to enhance quality care for its students. It is essential to find a solution that ensures balance, sustainability, hygiene, and well-being of the students, especially the poor and marginalised in society.
Attached are copies of the letter sent by GBC News to Madam Veronica Dery, headmistress of the Akropong School for the Blind, and her response.
