Children Swim To School Daily...Three Die As A Result

Three pupils in New Asuoyaa in the Eastern region have died while swimming across the Densu River to attend school in the past year alone, Adom FM can confirm. The pupils, some as young as three-years-old, have had to swim across the river each day in order to access education.

Adom FM who covered the plight of the community said the only footbridge across the Densu River has broken down for several years and strenuous efforts to get authorities to repair or replace it have proven futile.

The pupils, some of whom trek from Miawani Bebowso, Kotobaabi, Domeabra, Abrodiemu are all compelled to swim before they go to school. Kudekor said that the children usually swim in their fatigues and after crossing, change into their school uniforms.

Some of the affected children he interviewed said they are forced to return home when the river overflows it banks. They said the unfortunate development is affecting their education and appealed to Government to come to their aid. The Chief of New Asuoyaa, Opanyin Bekoe expressed disappointment in Government for the total neglect of the area.

He noted that the situation has accounted for absenteeism and truancy in school because the children are left with no option than to stay home to protect their lives. Opanyin Bekoe added that most of the children have contracted urinary tract infections and water-borne diseases due to the constant swimming in the Densu River.

He called on Government to heed their pleas in order to save the future generation of the town.