A severe rainstorm accompanied by destructive winds on Sunday, February 8, caused widespread devastation in the Bekwai Municipality of the Ashanti Region, severely damaging Denyaseman Catholic Senior High School (SHS) and impacting several other schools and communities.

The storm, which raged for several hours, tore off roofing sheets from a classroom block at Denyaseman Catholic SHS in Poano, resulting in partial collapse of the structure and rendering it unusable.

The incident has left the school compound littered with debris, including broken roofing sheets, concrete blocks, rubble, scattered desks, chairs, books, and other learning materials.

Community residents described the scene as heartbreaking, noting that strong winds visibly weakened the building before the roof was ripped away.

“The winds were very strong, and we could see the roof shaking before it finally came off,” one eyewitness said.

Academic activities have been disrupted, with students and teachers forced to vacate the affected areas for safety reasons.

“The children cannot continue lessons there because it is too dangerous,” a concerned resident added.

The damage extended beyond the school to surrounding communities in the municipality. Reports indicate that several homes suffered extensive harm, with rooftops blown off and properties destroyed by the accompanying fierce winds.

Residents have expressed fears over the safety of remaining structures and are urgently appealing for assistance to clear debris, provide temporary shelters, and restore essential facilities.