In a proactive effort to safeguard student well-being and improve school sanitation, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School (ABUGISS) has undertaken a comprehensive fumigation exercise across key parts of its campus.
The operation, initiated jointly by the Parents’ Association (PA) and school management, targets dormitories, classrooms, dining halls, washrooms, administrative offices, lawns, and drainage systems—all aimed at eliminating insects, bugs, reptiles, and other potential health hazards.
The fumigation follows recent media reports highlighting suspected cases of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among some students. Although no direct link has been established between the infections and on-campus conditions, the PA’s Health Committee has been tasked with conducting a full investigation.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, PA Chairman, Engineer Kwasi Asamoah, explained the rationale behind the swift response:
“We had no choice but to act quickly and decisively. While the situation wasn’t widespread and we cannot independently attribute the UTIs to school conditions, any potential health risk to our children must be treated with urgency. Fortunately, the Headmistress was a strong advocate for this intervention,” he stated.
He described the fumigation as part of a disaster risk reduction and response plan, aligned with the PA and management’s shared commitment to creating a safe, hygienic, and conducive environment for learning and development.
PA Undergoes Structural Reforms
Beyond the health intervention, Asamoah highlighted broader reforms underway within the PA to improve transparency, communication, and accountability.
“We are not only reacting to incidents. The PA is undergoing internal reforms—from financial stewardship and parent engagement to academic support and student wellbeing. We are rethinking how we work with school authorities to better serve our children,” he said.
A significant focus of the reforms is the nationwide transition from Parent Associations (PA) to Parent-Teacher Associations (PTAs) as announced by President John Dramani Mahama. Mr. Asamoah acknowledged that this transition will require “deep collaboration, trust-building, and benchmarking with other top schools.”
“Many PAs have operated independently for years. There’s a learning curve ahead, but we’re committed to getting it right for the sake of our students and the school,” he added.
Setting a National Example
The situation at Aburi Girls’ reflects a broader challenge across Ghana’s boarding schools, where high student populations, aging infrastructure, and evolving environmental factors combine to raise sanitation and health concerns.
By responding swiftly and responsibly, ABUGISS and its PA are setting a benchmark for other institutions across the country.
The school’s approach underscores the importance of routine health interventions and collaborative leadership, especially in environments where the well-being of thousands of students is at stake.
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