Deputy Minister of Education, Dr Clement Apaak, has expressed concern over the construction of some school projects without toilet facilities, describing the situation as a serious lapse in the system.
He made the remarks when he appeared before Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee in Accra on Monday, January 12, and responded to concerns raised about infrastructure projects funded by the Ghana Education Trust Fund and the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.
Dr Apaak said the issues highlighted by the committee should be of grave concern to all stakeholders in the education sector, as they reveal clear gaps in the planning and implementation of school projects.
According to him, the absence of sanitation facilities in some schools points to weaknesses in oversight and compliance with basic infrastructure standards under both GETFund-funded projects and those financed by MMDAs.
The Deputy Minister acknowledged the critical importance of sanitation in schools, stressing that access to proper toilet facilities is essential for the health, safety and dignity of pupils and teachers.
He assured the committee that the Ministry of Education has taken note of the concerns and will take steps to address the lapses, adding that measures will be put in place to ensure that future school projects are completed with the necessary sanitation facilities.
“The issues raised by the honourable member should be of grave concern to all of us. Clearly this exposes gaps in the current system with regards to GETFund funded school projects and school projects financed by MMDAs. We recognise that sanitation is very important and going forward we will ensure these lapses are taken care of,” Dr Apaak noted.
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