True leadership shines brightest in the darkest hours. Following a catastrophic fire outbreak that gutted the boys’ dormitory at Jirapa Senior High School, leaving scores of displaced students sleeping on bare, freezing floors amidst the heavy rains, prominent legal practitioner and Upper West Regional Minister Hon. Charles Lwanga Puozuing has stepped in with a life-changing intervention.
In a swift and compassionate response to the crisis, Lawyer Puozuing donated 135 high-density student mattresses, ensuring that every single affected student receives a decent place to lay his head.
The timely donation, presented on his behalf by Prof. Samuel Dery, brings immediate relief to the traumatised students. With torrential rains dampening conditions across the region, the high-density mattresses provide crucial protection from the cold, damp floors, safeguarding the health, well-being, and dignity of the young scholars so they can focus on their studies despite the tragedy.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Eric Zunuo Banye lauded Lawyer Puozuing’s extraordinary generosity. However, after being led on a solemn tour of the charred remains, Mr. Banye revealed that the actual destruction far exceeds what can be captured in words.
Highlighting the harsh reality of students currently crammed into temporary, makeshift shelter, he issued a passionate plea to benevolent individuals, old students (JOSA), corporate organizations, and development partners:
“The immediate relief is a massive blessing, but the ultimate goal is full restoration. We urgently need support to renovate the burnt structure so these boys can return to a safe, permanent home.”
Receiving the items on behalf of the institution, the Headmaster of Jirapa SHS, Mr. Adams Mumuni, expressed deep, emotional gratitude to Lawyer Puozuing, revealing that mattresses were the school’s most critical, immediate need following the disaster.
While celebrating the gesture, Mr. Mumuni used the platform to highlight other pressing challenges threatening the school. He appealed to stakeholders for urgent assistance in renovating the burnt dormitory block and completing long-abandoned infrastructure projects across the campus.
He also emphasized the need for procuring an official school bus for student transportation as well as providing a reliable Public Address (PA) system for general assemblies and campus communication.
Lawyer Charles Lwanga Puozuing’s noble gesture serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Upper West community. As the students of Jirapa SHS attempt to piece their lives back together, this act of kindness lights the path forward.
Radio Waa joins the school management in calling on all well-meaning Ghanaians, alumni, and philanthropic groups to step up. Together, we can rebuild more than just a ruined building, we can restore the hopes, comfort, and bright futures of our nation’s upcoming leaders.
