Contractor Locks Zabzugu Primary School Over Eight-Year Unpaid Debt

A contractor in the Zabzugu district of the Northern Region has locked out students and teachers at Tuvugu D/A Primary School due to an eight-year unpaid debt.

Mohammed Badaru, the contractor, completed a six-unit classroom block for the school in 2017 but has not been paid by the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund).

On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, Badaru arrived at the school with padlocks, ordering students and teachers to leave the premises, disrupting classes and leaving the community frustrated.

The headteacher expressed concern over the sudden shutdown, highlighting how it has severely impacted teaching and learning.

The District Director of Education called the situation critical, urging immediate attention to resolve the issue.

Badaru explained that the delay in payment had left him deeply indebted to suppliers, who are now threatening legal action if he fails to settle his dues.

Zabzugu District Chief Executive (DCE), Ahmed Yussif Adarkwa, condemned the contractor’s decision, describing it as an act of bad faith.

While acknowledging the payment delays and increasing material costs, the DCE said he was unaware of the situation before it escalated.

With the school still locked, the DCE has promised to work with the District Director of Education to find a temporary solution for the students.

In a related issue, another school in Zabzugu, Friends of the Earth, faces similar challenges, with upper-class pupils studying under trees due to the lack of proper classrooms.

The DCE assured that efforts are underway to secure a classroom block for the school as well.