Students of Saint James Catholic Boys Junior High School in Dunkwasoro, Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Ghana, are fighting to save their beloved playground from being turned into a commercial center.
The proposed development, sanctioned by Chief of Dunkwa Okoforobour Obeng Nnuako III, has sparked widespread concern among students, teachers, and local residents.
The playground, a cornerstone of the school since 1937, is currently undergoing construction work to develop it into a commercial complex with stores.
This move jeopardizes the students’ sporting activities and talent development.
Without a designated area for recreational activities, students have been forced to use the streets as their training grounds.
Parents and teachers are voicing concerns about potential disruptions to the peaceful learning environment. Many fear the commercial center will negatively impact academic focus and student safety.
Despite attempts by the Denkyira Traditional Council and the Municipal Education Oversight Committee to stop the project, construction work continues unabated.
The Upper Denkyira East Municipal Education Directorate highlights that this issue is part of a growing problem in the region. Land encroachment on school properties is widespread, particularly in urban communities.
To combat this, Director of Education Services Anthony Takyi has called for the registration of school lands to protect them from encroachment.
