Cape Coast schools deplore effects of load-shedding ; On academic work
The Principal of the Cape Coast School for the Deaf (CAPEDEAF), Mr Setumte Dodzi Ametewee, has said the ongoing load-shedding exercise is seriously affecting academic work in the school.
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He explained that as a special school, the institution relied heavily on machines, such as closed circuit TV (CCtv) cameras, Cumbos, and Perkins braillers powered by electricity for academic work, adding that, “Our academic work is disrupted frequently these days by the current limited power supply”.
Mr Ametewee said blind students, for instance, had to travel distances from their dormitories downstream in search of water because the machine that pumped water to them was run by electricity.
Call on government
He, therefore, called on the government to, as a matter of urgency, exempt special schools from the current load-shedding.
In another interview, the Assistant Headmaster of Aggrey Memorial Senior High School, Mr Francis Koomson-Barnes, pointed out that although the school had acquired a plant as a result of the current load-shedding exercise, money spent on fuel seriously drained the school’s limited resources.
He said the school had to rely on the Ghana Fire Service for water at a high cost anytime the lights went off, and pointed out that “something must be done immediately so that the students can concentrate on their academic work.”
The Headmistress of Ghana National College, Mrs Juliana Owusu-Ansah, who expressed similar sentiments, said: “The current power crisis is greatly affecting the administration of the institution.”
Search for water
She said anytime the lights went off the entire student population, numbering more that 2,000, had to move downstream, as early as 3a.m. in search of water, a situation she described as “very appalling.”
“Our prep is constantly disrupted, and you can imagine controlling more than 2,000 students during those periods,” she said, adding that they were often forced to dispose of perishable foodstuff.
On the prepaid card being used by the school, the headmistress said: “We spend more than GH¢3,000 on electricity every week. I am, therefore appealing to the government to consider us.”
She said although the college would hold its Speech and Prize-giving Day next week, not much preparation had been done.