A basic school in Assorko in the Shama District of the Western Region has been shut down by the community. The closure follows the traditional authority’s frustration by the Ghana Education Service (GES) and the Shama Municipal Education Directorate’s refusal to rename the institution after their Chief, Nana Brekom II, despite repeated appeals.
The school, initially constructed by the people of Assorko under the leadership of their chief, Nana Brekrom II, was meant to bear the name “Nana Brekrom Model Basic School” in honor of the stool and the community’s significant financial and human resource investment. However, the Municipal Director of Education, Mr. Raphael Aidoo-Taylor, unilaterally named it “Assorko Essaman Model Basic School,” ignoring the local leadership’s wishes.
In response, the community has staged a closure of the school to press for their demands, as outlined in a petition presented to the Western Regional Director of Education by Bankole Chambers, acting on behalf of the traditional authority and residents.
The petition details a litany of concerns about the Municipal Education Directorate’s mismanagement, lack of consultation, and corruption, which they claim have worsened educational standards and undermined community trust.
Key Issues Raised in the Petition:
1. Declining Educational Standards: The Shama Municipality reportedly ranks among the lowest in Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) results in the Western Region, attributed to systemic mismanagement under Mr. Aidoo-Taylor’s leadership.
2. Disrespect to Traditional Leadership: Allegations state that Mr. Aidoo-Taylor formed alliances with select headteachers to extort fees from parents, ignored community recommendations for school management, and undermined traditional authority’s involvement.
3. Naming Controversy: Despite their significant contribution to building the school, the Assorko community’s demand to name the school after Nana Brekrom II has been repeatedly rejected by the education authorities.
The petition calls for urgent investigations, including financial audits and the restoration of community participation in school governance. It also demands the renaming of the school to “Nana Brekrom Model Basic School” and the transfer of Mr. Raphael Aidoo-Taylor from his position.
