Thomas Akwasi Frimpong, a building contractor and owner of Atofis Company Limited, locked up the Old Tafo R/C Basic School in Kumasi on Monday, driving students out of their classrooms in protest over unpaid funds for the construction of the school building.
Mr. Frimpong claims the government owes him GH₵230,000 for pre-financing the two-story classroom block, which he began constructing in 2008. According to him, successive governments have failed to honor the payment, forcing him to sell his personal property to repay loans he obtained for the project.
Speaking to the media after locking the school, Mr. Frimpong vowed that students would not be allowed to use the facility until the government settles the debt.
“Since 2010, when the students moved into the building, the government hasn’t paid me a pesewa,” he lamented. “It’s been over 14 years now. If the government had rented this building, wouldn’t they have paid? They must pay me, or the students will not study in this building.”
The contractor revealed that he initially planned to lock the school in 2021 but was persuaded by authorities to hold off, hoping for a resolution. However, after years of unfulfilled promises, he says he can no longer wait.
“I’ve been patient, but nothing has been done. This isn’t about politics or elections. I’m a member of the NPP, but I need my money. Enough is enough,” he declared.
The lockout has disrupted learning at the Old Tafo R/C Basic School, sparking calls for the government to resolve the matter promptly to prevent further interference with students’ education.
