Landlords oppose planned demolition of Tendamba schools into 24-Hour Market
The Landlords of Wa Sokpayiri, owners of the land on which the Tendamba Primary and Kindergarten schools are situated, have strongly opposed plans to demolish, relocate or convert the schools into a proposed 24-hour economy market, citing a lack of consultation, educational disruption and the loss of cultural heritage.
The landlords said they were completely sidelined from discussions about the demolition or conversion of a school that predates Ghana’s independence and bears their name.
Addressing the media in Wa last Tuesday, Ibrahim Abu Sunkari Tindaana, who read the speech on behalf of the Landlords of Sokpayiri, said the landowners, who are key stakeholders, were never consulted before the decision to redevelop the school land into a market.
Not against development
Mr Tindaana clarified that the landlords were not opposed to government policies aimed at boosting economic activity and expanding market infrastructure, but expressed concern about the choice of location.
He said the Tendamba school land was acquired by the colonial government strictly for educational purposes and has remained vested in the state for that same use.
He noted that the purpose of the land has never been altered, a fact he said was reaffirmed in a letter dated April 5, 2024, from the Overlord of the Wala Traditional Council to the Upper West Regional Director of the Lands Commission.
The landlords warned that converting the school into a 24-hour market would adversely affect pupils, teachers, parents and the wider community, particularly with respect to safety, security and effective teaching and learning.
“The operation of a 24-hour market in proximity to a school will expose pupils and teachers to noise, congestion and security risks that are incompatible with a conducive learning environment,” Mr Tindaana stressed.
He further explained that many parents deliberately enrolled their children at Tendamba Primary and Kindergarten for its stable community, accessibility, and balanced development environment, adding that a sudden relocation without proper engagement would disrupt pupils’ academic progress and social lives.
Cultural and historical value
The landlords also raised concerns about the potential loss of identity and pride associated with the school, which was named after the Tendamba in recognition of their contribution to education in Wa.
He said the Tendamba Primary School, established in 1956, is one of the oldest schools in the Wala Traditional Area and holds significant cultural and historical value. The landlords said the demolition could destroy or lose important historical and academic records.
Propose alternatives
While reaffirming their support for economic development initiatives, the landlords proposed alternative sites for the proposed 24-hour market, including unused educational land at Kpaguri, behind the former Ahmadiyya Mission Clinic; the Metro Mass Transit Depot; land behind the former Ghana Cotton Company; and the current Meteorological Service Station, with its dilapidated quarters.
Call for renovation
They also called on the Wa Municipal Assembly and relevant state agencies to consider renovating and upgrading the Tendamba Primary and Kindergarten Schools, to provide additional educational infrastructure and facilities, and to construct a perimeter fence to enhance security and prevent encroachment.
