Residents of Bakpa Tosukope in the Volta Region are calling on the Ghana Police Service and other state authorities to expedite investigations into the destruction of a community-funded school project, nearly a year after the incident occurred.
The residents say the delay in concluding investigations has left the community frustrated and has stalled efforts to provide a safe learning environment for children.
The school project was initiated and fully funded by members of the community after their mud-and-brick kindergarten structure collapsed, leaving young pupils without a suitable classroom.
Determined to improve access to education, residents launched the project on January 1, 2025, during their annual festival, raising funds through community contributions, donations of building materials and voluntary labour.
The fundraising event was attended by the area’s Assembly Member, Member of Parliament, and representatives from Dela Radio and Mass TV.
However, the project suffered a major setback on July 27, 2025, when unknown persons allegedly destroyed the foundation of the school building before construction could progress.
According to the Bakpa Tosukope residents, people from a neighbouring community spotted a group of individuals allegedly carrying weapons, including guns, cutlasses and knives, and promptly alerted the police.
The suspects were reportedly arrested, with some allegedly admitting during police investigations that they were sent to destroy the project.
Following the incident, officers from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) visited the scene to assess the damage, while local media reported extensively on the case.
Despite these developments, residents say they have received no official update on the investigation or whether those responsible have been prosecuted.
Speaking to this reporter, a community elder, Adzapa Samuel, expressed disappointment over what he described as the slow pace of justice.
“We had a kindergarten built with mud and bricks, but it collapsed. The community decided to build a new school ourselves because we don’t know when government support will come. We want to reduce the distance our children walk to school and the dangers they face from reckless motorbike riders. Now, some people have destroyed our efforts. We demand accountability; otherwise we may be forced to take the law into our own hands.”
Mr Samuel said the destruction of the project has discouraged many residents from making further contributions, despite the urgent need for a permanent classroom block.
According to him, the initiative was intended to complement government efforts by improving educational infrastructure in the community while creating opportunities for future state support.
Residents are now appealing to the Ghana Police Service to provide an update on the investigation and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.
The community’s headman also urged the authorities to act swiftly, warning that prolonged delays are heightening tensions among residents.
“We don’t want to take the law into our own hands. That is why we have waited patiently. But almost a year has passed, and we cannot wait forever.”
For many residents, the destruction of the school project represents more than the loss of a building. They say it has shattered the hopes and sacrifices of an entire community determined to secure a better future for its children.
The people of Bakpa Tosukope are therefore calling on the police, the Volta Regional Coordinating Council, the District Assembly and other relevant institutions to conclude investigations without further delay.
They are also demanding that those found responsible for the destruction be held accountable and compelled to compensate the community for the losses incurred.
Until then, the children of Bakpa Tosukope remain without a permanent classroom facility that their parents and guardians worked tirelessly to provide.
By Dzokoe Fafali
(dzokoefafali@gmail.com)