Education Minister assures swift reconstruction of burned staff bungalow at Oyoko Methodist SHS

The Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, has given an assurance that the government will promptly reconstruct and restore the housemaster’s residence at Oyoko Methodist Senior High School following a fire outbreak on Monday, August 4, 2025.

The blaze, which originated in the housemaster’s quarters adjoining the boys’ dormitory block caused significant damage to the residence but did not extend to the dormitories or harm any students or other occupants. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.

In a swift response to the incident, the school’s Guidance and Counselling Unit engaged students in a sensitisation session early Tuesday morning to ensure calm and psychological stability before the resumption of academic activities.

While in Koforidua on official duties, Minister Haruna Iddrisu, accompanied by the Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES), the Ministry’s Chief Director, his Special Advisor, and the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, visited the school to inspect the damage and reassure the school community of the government’s full support.

Speaking to the media after a meeting with school authorities on Tuesday, August 5, the Eastern Regional Director of Education, Ivy Asantewaa Owusu, disclosed that the Minister has committed to replacing all items lost in the fire and facilitating the early rehabilitation of the bungalow.

“The Minister has pledged to ensure the housemaster is supported fully, his bungalow will be rebuilt, and all essential belongings replaced. We want him to be comfortable enough to return and resume his work,” Madam Asantewaa Owusu noted.

In the interim, the affected housemaster is being housed by the school’s Reverend Minister, pending restoration of his accommodation.

Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service has commenced investigations into the cause of the fire. School authorities are also maintaining close coordination with safety agencies to prevent any future recurrence.

Madam Owusu urged parents to remain calm and trust that their children are safe, as measures have been put in place to ensure normal academic routines continue without disruption.