Poor infrastructure coupled with inadequate teaching and learning materials in most basic schools in the Upper East Region is adversely affecting early childhood education and development.

Pupils in many basic schools in the region, particularly at nursery and kindergarten levels are learning in dilapidated structures, which can be described as 'death-traps,' while others are learning under trees, posing significant health and further danger to the toddlers.

The Upper East Regional Early Childhood Development Committee, which revealed these at the 2024 third quarter meeting in Bolgatanga, noted that many of the schools it visited, had deep cracks in their walls and floors.

The Committee said situation was not only affecting teaching and learning in these schools, but also contributing to a decline in enrolment of pupils.