Sunyani, Nov 16, GNA - Students of the Catholic Technical Institute in Sunyani have appealed to the National Catholic Secretariat to help abate the deteriorating state of the Institute.

The more than 200 students, mostly hostellers, led by Master Richard Adu, an Electrical Three student, spoke to the GNA about dilapidated infrastructure at the institute and said this had affected academic work.

The students mentioned lack of proper waste disposal, toilets, bathrooms and kitchen and wondered if the institute solely belonged to the Catholic Church.

They said the institute had not been renovated since 1996, posing danger to their lives. Master Albert Ayiana, an Electrical One student, expressed concern about choked gutters and bushy surroundings that management had shown no concern about and this contributed to the spread of malaria among the students.

The students said many of the students belonged to the Catholic Church and were contributing their quota towards the growth of the church in their various communities. "We have made several attempts to meet management to help rectify the situation but all our efforts have proved futile", the students said.

Master Collins Agyemang, an Electrical Two student, alleged that the principal of the institute had been forcing students to pay other fees for repairs on the school's properties and this was draining their pockets.

When contacted, Nana Mensah Boahene, the Principal of the Institute, refused to make any comments on the situation. Some of the students have threatened to demonstrate to seek redress if immediate action was not taken. 16 Nov 05