Aburi Girls SHS Embarks on Fumigation Exercise to Safeguard Student Health and Enhance School Environment safety. Bugs infestation and other forms of insect infestation that leads to the spread of skin diseases like chicken pox are a common occurence in some Senior High Schools
In a bold and proactive move to prioritize student health and wellbeing, Aburi Girls’ Senior High School (ABUGISS) has commenced a large-scale fumigation exercise covering all critical areas of the campus including dormitories, classrooms, dining halls, washrooms, offices, grassy lawns, and drainage systems.
The exercise, jointly undertaken by the Parents’ Association (PA) and the school’s management, is to forestall any incidents involving insects, bugs, reptiles, etc. The exercise is also to address a concerning media report of urinary tract infections (UTIs) among students whiles the PA’s Health Committee is tasked to investigate the matter.
In an exclusive interview, the PA Chairman, Engineer Kwasi Asamoah, emphasized the urgency and scope of the intervention:
“We had no choice but to act swiftly and decisively. While the situation was not widespread, and we could not independently trace particularly the UTIs to conditions in the school, any health threat to our children must be treated with utmost urgency and seriousness, and thankfully, the Headmistress was a key champion to this effort. This fumigation effort deemed a disaster risk reduction and response intervention is part of our collaborative (management and PA) commitment to creating a safe and conducive environment for learning and growth.”
Engineer Asamoah also shared ongoing reforms within the PA to improve transparency, communication, and accountability.
Aburi Girls SHS Embarks on Fumigation
“We are not just reacting to issues. The PA is reforming how we operate, from enhancing fiduciary responsibility expected of us from contributing parents and academic outcomes to student wellbeing and our relationship with the school administration,” he noted.
One of the strategic focuses of the PA is managing the nationwide transition from PA to PTA structures, as announced by His Excellency the President.
“This will require deep collaboration and trust-building,” the Chairman added. “Since many PA operations were run independently for years, we anticipate a learning curve. We will engage other top schools to benchmark best practices and ensure a smooth and effective transition.”
The situation at ABUGISS is a reflection of a broader challenge faced by many boarding schools across the country, where the convergence of large student populations, limited sanitation infrastructure, and changing environmental conditions often create breeding grounds for pests, infections, and other health concerns. The proactive response by the ABUGISS PA serves as a model of responsible guardianship and collaborative problem-solving. It underscores the urgent need for other schools and parent bodies nationwide to prioritize routine health and environmental interventions.
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