Unknown Vandals Strip Akyem Oda School of Roof and Facilities

Akyem Oda St. Andrews Anglican Primary ‘B’ School in the Birim Central Municipality has been left exposed to the elements after unknown individuals removed its entire roofing sheets in a shocking act of vandalism. The culprits also made away with burglar-proof fittings and electrical installations from the classrooms, office, store, and staff common room.

The attack extended to a nine-seater water closet toilet facility constructed for the school by the former Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful. The perpetrators dismantled parts of the sewerage system, stealing cables, switches, and taps.

According to Papa Yaw Amoah, Assembly Member for the Aseneye Electoral Area, the crime occurred during the school’s vacation period and was made easier by the resignation of the security guard. He led Daily Graphic reporters to the scene of the incident last Wednesday.

Due to the damage, school authorities have been forced to merge the ‘A’ and ‘B’ streams, resulting in overcrowded classrooms.

Mr. Amoah suspects two foreign scrap dealers recently arrested for theft at the same school. Though they were arraigned before the Oda District Magistrate’s Court and granted bail, he claims they have since resumed criminal activity in the area.

He appealed to wealthy residents and non-governmental organizations to help re-roof the school and prevent further deterioration, especially with the rainy season looming.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Asare-Quansah, the Oda Municipal Police Commander, described the theft as unprecedented in the municipality. He assured the public that investigations would be intensified to bring the perpetrators to justice and serve as a deterrent to others.