Over 20 Schoolchildren in Prampram Hospitalised After Consuming Local Drink “Asana”
More than 20 pupils from Prampram D/A Basic ‘B’ and Methodist Freeman Basic School in the Greater Accra Region were rushed to the hospital after collapsing during school hours on Monday, April 14, 2025. The unexpected incident created panic among students and staff as several of the children were seen fleeing in distress before collapsing.
The affected students were promptly taken to the Prampram Polyclinic for medical attention, where they are currently under observation. Medical staff are closely monitoring their condition to determine the full extent of the incident and ensure the pupils’ safety.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the children had consumed asana, a popular local corn-based beverage, which is believed to have triggered the sudden illnesses. The drink had been purchased from a vendor operating within the vicinity of the schools. Interestingly, the vendor who sold the beverage has also been hospitalised, raising further suspicion that the asana may have been contaminated.
In response to the alarming situation, the Ningo-Prampram District Health Directorate has launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the pupils’ collapse. Authorities are working collaboratively with the affected schools and parents to ensure the wellbeing of all students and prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
While no official medical diagnosis has yet been released, the possibility of food poisoning or contamination in the preparation or storage of the asana is being strongly considered. Asana, a sweet, fermented corn drink, is widely consumed in Ghana and is often sold in unregulated settings, raising potential health and safety concerns, especially for schoolchildren.
The incident has sparked conversations about food safety in school environments and the need for stricter regulations on vendors operating near educational institutions. Parents and community members are calling for swift action to determine what went wrong and to implement measures that will ensure the health and safety of schoolchildren moving forward.
Health officials have reassured the public that steps are being taken to investigate and resolve the issue. The district health team is also expected to intensify inspections of food and beverage vendors operating near schools in the area.
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging parents and school heads to be vigilant about the sources of food and drinks provided to children. The Prampram community, shaken by the incident, remains hopeful for the speedy recovery of the affected pupils and awaits the final outcome of the health investigation.
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