Severe Desk Shortage Forces Labone SHS First-Year Students to Sit on Floors and Benches
First-year students of Labone Senior High School in Accra are grappling with troubling learning conditions as many are forced to sit on bare floors, squeeze onto dining hall benches, or lean against walls during lessons due to a critical shortage of desks. Despite recent contributions from parents, GH¢300 for infrastructure support and GH¢100 in PTA dues, the situation remains unchanged, leaving many feeling frustrated and disappointed.
A report by The Mirror revealed that several Form One classrooms were severely overcrowded, with students sitting in uncomfortable and improvised positions. While seniors occupied the few available desks for their mock examinations, freshers had to make do with whatever surface they could find.
Some shared desks meant for a single student, others wrote on their laps, and many bent over long benches meant for dining, often six or more struggling to take notes at once.
Teachers confirmed that the challenge is a recurring one. Integrated Science teacher, Mr. Obed Nyarko, explained that the shortage reappears every academic year, especially under the double-track system, which increases enrollment numbers. He admitted that many of the school’s desks are broken or unsafe, further compounding the crisis. According to him, the overcrowding makes class supervision difficult, distracts learners, and even creates opportunities for cheating during tests due to tight seating arrangements.
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For the students, the situation is both painful and demoralizing. Some reported enduring back and neck pain from bending over low benches for long hours. Others described switching between squatting, kneeling, and sitting on the floor just to be able to write. Freshers recounted that during their first few days in school, many had no option but to sit directly on the floor until a space somewhere became available.
Parents who spoke to The Mirror were visibly upset. They questioned how their contributions were being utilized and insisted that basic teaching and learning resources especially desks should be a top priority. Many said they were willing to offer further support if they could see tangible improvements.
School authorities acknowledged the desk shortage but offered limited commentary. The Assistant Headmaster in charge of Administration, Mr. Ishmael Ayim, explained that only the headmistress or the Ghana Education Service (GES) could officially speak on the matter. He noted, however, that the school regularly submits reports on its infrastructure challenges and remains hopeful that assistance will eventually be provided through the appropriate channels.
The situation at Labone SHS reflects a broader issue affecting many public schools across the country, one that parents, teachers, and education advocates say requires urgent intervention to protect the quality of teaching and learning.
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