Over 20 Pupils Hospitalised in Prampram After Consuming Local Beverage
More than 20 students from two basic schools in Prampram, located in the Greater Accra Region, were rushed to the hospital after collapsing during school hours on Monday, April 14, 2025. The incident involved pupils from Prampram D/A Basic ‘B’ and Methodist Freeman Basic School.
According to eyewitness accounts, several of the affected children were visibly distressed, running around before suddenly collapsing. The pupils were quickly transported to the Prampram Polyclinic, where they are currently receiving medical care and observation. Health officials at the facility have not yet released detailed information about the students’ conditions but confirm that they are under close supervision.
Initial findings suggest that the students may have fallen ill after consuming asana, a popular local beverage made from fermented corn. The drink is commonly sold in the area by street vendors and is a frequent refreshment choice for schoolchildren. The specific vendor believed to have sold the drink to the students has also been admitted to the hospital, raising further concerns about the safety and hygiene of the product.
In response to the alarming situation, the Ningo-Prampram District Health Directorate has initiated an investigation in collaboration with the affected schools and the parents of the pupils. Their goal is to determine the exact cause of the incident and ensure that such a situation does not recur.
Health authorities are focusing on analyzing samples of the asana drink consumed by the pupils to check for possible contamination. They are also working to identify whether improper preparation or storage may have contributed to the mass illness. School officials, in the meantime, have been urged to caution pupils against purchasing food and beverages from unregulated sources.
Parents in the community have expressed worry over the incident, calling on local authorities to enhance food safety regulations in and around school premises. Some have requested a temporary ban on food and drink vendors operating near schools until thorough checks and certifications are in place.
This incident has sparked discussions about the broader issue of food safety for school-aged children, especially in communities where informal food vending is common. The outcome of the ongoing investigations is expected to guide future safety protocols in schools across the district.
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