Residents of Essienkyem in the Ahafo Southeast District of the Ashanti Region, including teachers and health workers, are urgently appealing to the government for essential amenities such as electricity, good roads, and reliable telecommunications networks.
The lack of these basic facilities, according to them, has significantly impacted their daily lives and hindered community development.
Teachers at the local primary school have expressed frustration over the absence of electricity, which hampers their ability to utilize technological tools that enhance learning.
“We are really struggling here. Teaching has become more difficult because we cannot use the modern teaching aids that are available to other schools,” lamented one teacher.
Health workers at the Essienkyem Community Health Centre share similar concerns, noting that the lack of electricity limits their ability to provide critical services, especially during emergencies.
“At night, we rely on torchlights and rechargeable lamps to provide care. Imagine delivering a baby under such conditions; it’s risky and unacceptable,” explained a health worker.
They stressed that the poor condition of the road leading to Essienkyem further complicates matters, making it difficult for residents to access healthcare and education.
According to them, farmers are particularly affected, as they struggle to transport their produce to markets, resulting in financial losses.
“Our road is terrible, especially during the rainy season. When someone is seriously ill, it becomes a life-threatening situation because we can’t reach the nearest hospital in time,” one resident stated.
Additionally, they echoed that the lack of telecommunications networks isolates residents from vital communication services.
They said that teachers and students are unable to access online educational materials, while health workers face challenges in coordinating with other facilities during emergencies.
“Sometimes we need to consult specialists in other towns or call for referrals, but we have no means of doing so because of the poor network,” said a nurse at the health center.
