Ghana Education Service – Teaching resumes in 81 schools affected by Akosombo Dam spillage

The Director-General of the Ghana Education Service (GES) has announced that 81 out of the 108 schools affected by the Akosombo spillage in nine districts have resumed teaching and learning.

Dr. Eric Nkansah stated that efforts are underway to restore activities in the remaining 27 schools within the North Tongu District, primarily used as camps and Safe Havens for displaced households.

He emphasized the overarching goal of ensuring that all flood-affected schools promptly resume teaching and learning activities. The announcement came during a media briefing over the weekend following the Director-General’s three-day working visit to the nine districts impacted by the Akosombo dam spillage, facilitated by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

Approximately two weeks earlier, the Minister for Education, along with GES and other Ministry agencies, visited the affected areas to assess the emergency response to the disaster.

The DG’s subsequent visit with key GES Headquarters Directors aimed to evaluate the implementation of the Education in Emergency Plan initiated by the Ghana Education Service.

During the visit, the DG donated relief items, including tents for temporary classrooms, and facilitated the distribution of learners and teachers from affected areas to nearby schools.

With the support of UNICEF and other partners, the DG handed over various supplies, such as school uniforms, teaching materials, school-in-a-box kits, tents, recreation kits, and Early Childhood Development kits to affected communities.

The Director-General expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts that have contributed to achieving this progress, acknowledging the support of various stakeholders, including the Volta Regional Minister, Regional Director of Education, District Directors, traditional authorities, DCEs, and MPs of the affected districts.

The Akosombo dam spillage, a routine exercise by the VRA to safeguard the dam, resulted in the submersion of communities, collapsing buildings, including schools, and displacing thousands of people along the Akosombo downstream.

The government, through the Education Minister, initiated the Education in Emergency Plan to restore teaching and learning in the affected communities and schools.

Dr. Nkansah’s visit involved meetings with stakeholders, including traditional leaders, government officials, and education representatives, to assess progress, address challenges, and plan for further actions.