Most public school lands in the Kumasi metropolis have been encroached upon by squatters and drug peddlers, exposing students to security and moral dangers.

The lack of proper fencing and security of school lands is a contributing factor.

The Metro Director of Education, Mr. David Oppong, complained bitterly about the unfortunate exposure of students to security and moral dangers in his welcome address at a meeting of stakeholders in basic education in the Kumasi metropolis.

The meeting was organised on July 25, 2025.

It was at the instance of the Mayor of Kumasi, Mr. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi’s request to discuss ways to improve the quality of education in his jurisdiction.

Mr. Oppong thanked the Mayor for the opportunity to bring together stakeholders in education to brainstorm, inform, and address pressing challenges.

He announced that the metro has 165 public schools, 252 private schools, 2,902 teachers, and a student enrollment of 56,641.

Aside from the encroachment of school lands and insecurity on school campuses, poor sanitation is a major challenge.

The Metro Director of Education also complained that only 25% of schools have access to decent sanitation facilities, admitting that waste disposal has been another concern that needs equally urgent attention.

He thanked the government for introducing policies and programs to enhance education, specifically mentioning the distribution of sanitary pads to girl students as a welcome intervention.

He requsted for adequate furniture, ICT labs, infrastructure, and things needed to boost education sector.

The Mayor of Kumasi took note of the challenges and ideas from stakeholders in education, assuring that frantic efforts will be taken to tackle them.

He further assured that he is always ready for useful information and ideas to improve education.

BY Thomas Awuah Asem

Kumasi