Government must provide buses for public basic schools – Institute of Community Sustainability

The Institute of Community Sustainability (ICS)  has asked the government of Ghana to provide buses to public basic schools across the country.

ICS notes that the sight of 5-year-old kids walking almost 5 kilometers to school every morning and afternoon, under the scorching sun, is a heart-wrenching reality.

The dangers they face are numerous, from being knocked down by cars to navigating treacherous roads during the rainy season, it’s a perilous journey that no child should have to endure, Executive Director of ICS, Eric Jerry Aidoo said in a statement.

“The disparity between public and private schools is stark. While private schools provide their students with modern buses, complete with safety features and comfortable seating, public schools are left to rely on the goodwill of parents and the community. This is unacceptable.

“The government of Ghana has a responsibility to ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to quality education and safe transportation. Providing buses for public basic schools is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

“Not only would buses improve the safety and well-being of students, but they would also enhance their educational experience. By reducing the time and energy spent on daily commutes, students would be able to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities,” the statement said.

Below is the full statement…

As the sun rises over the bustling streets of Ghana, thousands of young children embark on a daily journey to school. While their counterparts in private schools enjoy the comfort and safety of air-conditioned buses, public basic school students are left to brave the harsh conditions on foot.

The sight of 5-year-old kids walking almost 5 kilometers to school every morning and afternoon, under the scorching sun, is a heart-wrenching reality. The dangers they face are numerous, from being knocked down by cars to navigating treacherous roads during the rainy season. It’s a perilous journey that no child should have to endure.

The disparity between public and private schools is stark. While private schools provide their students with modern buses, complete with safety features and comfortable seating, public schools are left to rely on the goodwill of parents and the community. This is unacceptable.

The government of Ghana has a responsibility to ensure that all children, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to quality education and safe transportation. Providing buses for public basic schools is a crucial step towards achieving this goal.

Not only would buses improve the safety and well-being of students, but they would also enhance their educational experience. By reducing the time and energy spent on daily commutes, students would be able to focus more on their studies and extracurricular activities.

Furthermore, providing buses for public basic schools would be a significant investment in Ghana’s future. By giving all children access to quality education and safe transportation, we would be empowering them to become productive citizens and leaders of tomorrow.

We urge the government of Ghana to take immediate action to address this critical issue. Providing buses for public basic schools is not only a moral imperative, but also a necessary step towards creating a more equitable and just society.

Let us work together to ensure that all children in Ghana have access to safe, reliable, and comfortable transportation to school. Our children deserve nothing less.