The only primary school in Avetakpo, a farming community in the Ho West District of Ghana’s Volta Region, has been shut down indefinitely after its sole teacher stopped reporting to work, leaving children without access to basic education.
Residents say the closure has forced schoolchildren to walk long distances to neighboring towns, often crossing rivers and unsafe routes, to continue their studies. They are calling for urgent government intervention.
The Avetakpo D/A Primary School was built under the U.S. Ambassador’s Self Help Program and commissioned by Ambassador Virginia Palmer on Dec. 14, 2022, to expand access to education in the remote community. The facility, however, now sits abandoned, with locked classrooms and unused furniture.
The school operated with one teacher who handled classes from Primary One to Three. According to residents, the teacher stopped reporting in July 2025, and efforts to secure a replacement from the Ghana Education Service have failed.
Community members blame the lack of amenities in Avetakpo, including electricity, health facilities, good roads, and reliable mobile network coverage for discouraging teachers from accepting postings.
As a result, children now trek to nearby communities such as Mafi-Kumase, Aflafenu, and Frankadua to attend school. Parents say the journeys, which involve crossing streams and rivers, become even more dangerous during the rainy season.
A visit to the school by Bullet TV’s Volta Region correspondent, Christian Ahodie, revealed a deserted compound, with classrooms locked and children roaming during school hours. Parents expressed frustration, noting their children are eager to learn but must endure long walks daily to facilities in other communities.
The Queen Mother of Avetakpo, Mama Aku Semeii, lamented that successive governments have neglected the community. She appealed for teachers and improved infrastructure. Assembly Member Jonas Ali Bedi said several letters have been sent to the Ho West District Assembly, but no action has been taken.
He warned that residents may be compelled to present their grievances directly at the Assembly if authorities fail to respond.
Repeated appeals to the Ghana Education Service at district and regional levels have not yielded results. Residents are now calling on the Ho West District Assembly, the Member of Parliament, and other stakeholders to intervene, warning that without immediate action, children in Avetakpo risk being left behind.
Source: Christian Ahodie
