More than 20 pupils from Prampram D/A Basic 'B' and Methodist Freeman Basic School have been hospitalised after reportedly consuming a local drink known as “asana” during school hours. The disturbing incident occurred on Monday, April 14, in the Ningo-Prampram area of the Greater Accra Region.
Eyewitnesses revealed that several children were seen running in distress and collapsing shortly after classes had commenced. The affected pupils were swiftly rushed to the Prampram Polyclinic, where they are currently receiving medical attention under close observation by healthcare personnel. The children were said to have shown signs of sudden physical weakness before being transported to the facility.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the pupils consumed “asana,” a traditional corn-based beverage commonly sold by vendors in the community. According to initial reports, the suspected vendor who sold the drink to the children has also been admitted to the hospital, raising concerns over the safety and hygiene of the beverage served.
Health authorities in the Ningo-Prampram District have launched a full investigation into the matter. The District Health Directorate is working in collaboration with parents, school management, and relevant stakeholders to ascertain the cause of the incident and to safeguard the well-being of other pupils in the area. Samples of the drink have reportedly been collected for laboratory testing as part of efforts to determine whether contamination or spoilage played a role.
The incident has left many parents anxious, prompting calls for stricter monitoring of food and drink vendors operating near school premises. School authorities have also urged vigilance and advised pupils to avoid purchasing consumables from unregulated sources while the investigation is ongoing.
Community members and health workers are hopeful that the affected children will recover quickly. As the situation unfolds, concerned residents continue to await updates from the health directorate regarding the outcome of the investigation and any preventive measures to be taken in the future.
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