The National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT) has called on the Education Ministry to establish and implement measures to alleviate the impact of the flood disaster in the Lower Volta Basin on education and school children.

In a press release, NAGRAT noted that the flooding, as a result of the Akosombo Dam spillage, has disrupted the lives and education of many children and thus it is important to create a stable and secure environment for students and their families.

“We call upon the Ministry of Education and other relevant bodies to put in place measures to mitigate the impact of this disaster on the education of affected children. NAGRAT and its members are ever ready to offer the needed support.

“NAGRAT emphasizes the need for a concerted effort from all stakeholders to respond to this disaster with the needed expertise, compassion, and urgency. Our thoughts are with the affected communities and we stand in solidarity with them during this challenging period,” parts of the statement read.

NAGRAT urged the government and responsible agencies to prioritise the welfare of the affected people and to take proactive steps to prevent similar incidents in the future. 

“We will continue to monitor the situation closely and offer our assistance in any way possible to ensure a swift and effective response to this crisis,” the Association added.

On September 15, the Volta River Authority began spilling excess water due to rising levels of the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams.

Weeks after the spillage began, many residents living along the Lower Volta Basin have lost their homes and farms to the floods caused by the spillage.

Currently, nine districts find themselves reeling under the fury of the racing spillage, their inhabitants caught up in this humanitarian crisis.

The heart-wrenching tales emerge from the South, Central, and North Tongu districts of the Volta Region, where the devastation knows no bounds.

The once vibrant communities of Battor, Tefle, Mepe, Sogakope, Adidome, and Anlo have been submerged, their existence nearly swallowed by the unrelenting waters.

Many residents have self-evacuated while NADMO and other agencies have joined the rescue efforts.

Some institutions and individuals have also presented relief items to residents.

Meanwhile, NAGRAT has commended government for setting up an Inter-Ministerial Committee to commence investigation into the factors that led to this disaster and the development of preventive measures to reduce the likelihood of such incidents in the future. 

“Furthermore, NAGRAT encourages the government and all stakeholders to engage in transparent communication with the affected communities and to provide them with timely and accurate information regarding the ongoing response and recovery efforts. In times of crisis, clear and open lines of communication are vital to fostering trust and cooperation among all parties involved.”

Read the full statement below: