Fire Ravages Saboba E.P SHS: One Dead, Millions in Damages

By
Ellis Ferdinand
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Fire Ravages Saboba E.P SHS: One Dead, Millions in Damages
photo BY:GHANAEDUCATION.ORG

Ferdinand | EducationGhana |  January 22|Fire Ravages Saboba E.P SHS: One Dead, Millions in Damages

  A devastating fire at Saboba Evangelical Presbyterian Senior High School has claimed one life and destroyed properties worth millions. Learn about the impact and challenges facing the school.

 

Fire Devastates Saboba E.P. Senior High School

The Saboba Evangelical Presbyterian Senior High School (EPSEC) has been hit by a tragic fire, leaving properties worth millions of cedis destroyed and one person dead. Video footage of the incident shows the school’s dormitories completely burnt, with only the charred walls standing as a haunting reminder of the devastation.

Extent of Damage

The fire consumed:

Despite desperate attempts by students using gallons of water to extinguish the flames, their efforts were futile. A few items were salvaged, but the affected dormitories now resemble ghost towns, compounding the grief and despair among students and staff.

A School Struggling Against the Odds

Saboba E.P. SHS has faced numerous challenges over the years. Upgraded to a boarding school in 2021 as part of a government initiative to improve educational equity, the school became a haven for students from distant rural areas.

However, issues like the untarred Saboba-Chereponi road, which causes significant dust pollution during the dry season, and the lack of proper fencing have exposed the school to vulnerabilities.

Adding to its uniqueness, the school maintains a cattle ranch, offering agricultural education opportunities for students. However, this latest disaster has amplified its challenges, leaving the school in urgent need of housing for displaced students.

 

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About Saboba Evangelical Presbyterian Senior High School

Founded in 1986, Saboba E.P. SHS is a cornerstone of education in Northern Ghana. The school, established through a collaboration between the Presbyterian Church of God and the Saboba community, offers courses in:

  • General Science
  • General Arts
  • Visual Arts
  • Home Economics

Initially located in Kumatia, a suburb of Saboba, the school has grown into a vital educational institution. It caters to both rural and urban students, providing opportunities for academic and personal growth.

Challenges Before the Fire

  • In 2021, the school’s teachers protested the exclusion of Saboba E.P. SHS from the “One Teacher One Laptop” initiative, halting teaching activities until the issue was addressed.
  • Administrative and logistical issues have hindered the school’s growth.

Despite these obstacles, the school remains committed to academic excellence and character development. Its alumni network, the Binn Kaa Cha Old Students Association (BOSA), actively supports its mission.

Way Forward

The devastating fire has underscored the urgent need for:

  1. Improved Infrastructure: Immediate reconstruction of dormitories and other facilities.
  2. Enhanced Security: Proper fencing to secure the school premises.
  3. Community and Government Support: Collaborative efforts to rebuild and provide resources for students and staff.

As the school navigates this difficult time, stakeholders must rally to ensure that Saboba E.P. SHS can rise from the ashes and continue to play its critical role in Northern Ghana’s educational landscape.

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