Teachers at Amankwatia M/A Junior High School in Kumasi are compelled to contribute to the purchase of electricity for the running of the school.

Headmaster of the school, Frank Kwakye, bemoaned the impact of power cuts on academic work, especially in the efficient and effective operation of the IT centre. 

Though, he is not specific on how much the teachers contribute, he said the situation needs attention from stakeholders. 

"In our offices, in our various IT rooms we need electricity to function. And at times, teachers are forced to contribute from their pockets in order to buy electricity to finance school activities," he said.

He has appealed to the authorities to help end the challenge.

"I have seen that major stakeholders have met here and I am confident that they will help us solve some of these challenging issues,” Mr Kwakye pleaded.

But because teachers are cautioned not to take money from students for school activities, Principal of Jackson college of education wants parents to take upon themselves to address the issues.

Theodosia Jackson said it is not only the mandate of government to see to the development of children, but stressed parents are also encouraged to do same. 

"Now, no head teacher or teacher can collect a cedi from a child for school project. As for you PTA you are an association. Let's contribute our quota and get things done."

Mr. Kwakye spoke to the media at the commissioning of refurbished school block and landscaping.

Amankwatia M/A Junior High School has 15 teachers, four national service personnel and 240 students.
Its performance in the BECE has significantly improved over the years.

However, the main challenge has been the deteriorating state of the school block.

The headmaster's office, staff common room and entire block are all nothing to write home about.

It took the intervention of Mrs Jackson to come to the aid of the school.

"Our sole interest is not in the building but in the transformation of lives,” Mrs. Jackson said.

Mrs Jackson called on Ghanaians to contribute to quality education by enhancing the environment for teachers and students.

She urged the entire school body to inculcate maintenance culture to keep the school in a good condition for many people to benefit.

Mr Kwakye commended them for the support and kindness.

He said those who knew the state of the school block would appreciate what Mrs Jackson had done and encourage others to do same. 

Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly boss, Osei Assibey-Antwi expressed excitement about the refurbishment.

He spoke about how touched he is by the landscaping and the trees planted in the school.

"It means somebody has bought into my vision of keeping the city clean and green." 

Stakeholders of the school expect improved academic performance with the enhanced learning environment.