Residents of Assin Juaben in the Central Region are taking matters into their own hands to ensure the safety of schoolchildren by constructing a six-unit classroom block.

Currently, students walk a considerable distance on a busy road to reach another community, Odumase, for their education, which poses a significant safety risk as some have died through vehicular accidents.

The chief, community elders, and residents are determined not to wait for another tragedy before finding a solution.

The main street towards Assin Odumase D/A Basic School, is a route many children use every day. While the school is closed for the day, this road continues to serve as a vital pathway for students—many of whom walk this stretch to and from school, despite the risks.

In recent years, tragedy has struck on this very road. Three children have been knocked down and killed by vehicles while on their way to school.

A former student of the Odumase D/A Basi School, Adwoa Sofo says the tragic accident occurred eight years ago when a vehicle hit a group of five school children crossing a hazardous curved road, resulting in the death of three.

"I was just a child when I witnessed the tragedy of three school children losing their lives on that dangerous curved road. Even today, that road remains a serious risk to safety," she narrated.

Adwoa’s words reflect the growing concern among residents. Local authorities, including community elders, share the same worry.

One of the elders of the Assin Juaben community indicates that the busy road, often used by schoolchildren, remains a danger due to the large vehicles that pass by, with a recent tragic incident where several children were hit and killed by a moving vehicle.

"Our children walk along this road daily, but the presence of large vehicles makes it a dangerous stretch. Just recently, a vehicle knocked down some schoolchildren, resulting in a heartbreaking loss of life."

For four years, Bernice Owusu has been teaching in a neighbouring community. But like many here, she is deeply concerned about the safety of young children who walk alone.

At a recent homecoming event, funds were raised to begin constructing a six-unit classroom block. The community is actively seeking additional funds for the project which will bring much-needed educational opportunities closer to the children of Assin Juaben.

According to the regent of the community, Nana Amponsah, the primary goal of organising the homecoming event was to establish a school in the Assin Juaben community, the only area without one, to ensure the development and future success of children, as education is seen as vital for their well-being.

"Our mission is clear: to build a school for Assin Juaben. When we are gone, these children will remember how we helped shape their future. Without education, a person has no place in the world, and we won't let that happen to our children."

Another of the community elders, Kwame Tibuah, emphasises the importance of education in any thriving society. He says building the school in the Assin Juaben community will provide children with early educational opportunities and ease the burden on parents, who currently must take their children to farms and markets in the farming community.

"Once we have a school, it will allow children to start their education early and lift the burden from parents who are forced to take their children to the farm or market instead of school, as we are a farming community."

But more support is needed. The community still requires at least GH₵500,000 to fully construct the six-unit classroom block.

Until that goal is met, children in Assin Juaben will continue to face the perilous journey to and from school. For them, safety is not just a wish—it’s a right.