Stakeholders of the Asemko District Assembly (DA) Basic School in the Ellembelle District are sounding the alarm over a severe infrastructure
deficit. While the school has successfully rebranded to attract more students, its facilities have failed to keep pace, forcing preschool pupils to study on bare floors along open verandas.
The situation becomes critical during the rainy season, as pupils on the verandas are displaced, leading to frequent interruptions in teaching and learning.
From 35 to 338: A Growth Story Without Support
The school’s Management Committee (SMC), led by Mr. Stephen Blay, shared the school's dramatic transformation. Formerly known as KIMTECH Model School, the institution has grown significantly:
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Enrolment Surge: From just 35 pupils in 1997 to 338 pupils in 2026.
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Regional Reach: Children now commute from neighboring communities, including Kikam and Bobroma.
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Academic Milestone: 2026 marks a historic year as the school prepares to present its first-ever batch of candidates for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
Critical Needs and Appeals
The Assembly Member for the area, Mr. Paul Kodwo Kwaw, and the SMC are urgently requesting intervention from the Ellembelle District Assembly, the Ghana National Gas Company, and MP Hon. Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah.
| Need Category | Priority Item | Impact |
| Infrastructure | 6-Unit Classroom Block | Would eliminate "veranda learning" and congestion. |
| Technology | Computer Laboratory | Essential for the new 2026 computing curriculum. |
| Staffing | Math, Science & ICT Teachers | Filling the current void in core technical subjects. |
| Sanitation | Changing Rooms | To support the hygiene needs of growing female students. |
Gratitude for Partial Progress
The school community acknowledged the Hon. Armah-Kofi Buah for constructing a two-unit block for the JHS. However, they reminded authorities that the remaining structures are dilapidated and that a promised third unit for the JHS block is still pending.
The Bottom Line
Despite growing its population by nearly 1000% since 1997, Asemko DA Basic remains a "school of verandas." Stakeholders are calling for a modern 6-unit block and specialized teachers to ensure their first BECE candidates are not disadvantaged.
