Education think tank, Education Policy Institute Africa (EDUPA), has expressed the need for the inclusion of the Minister for Education, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, on the 13-member inter-ministerial committee charged to address issues relating to the flood caused by the recent spillage from the Akosombo Dam.
According to EDUPA, the spillage-induced floods have inflicted substantial damage to schools, hence, the need for the inclusion of the education minister.
Justifying its stance, the Institute emphasized that classrooms, libraries, laboratories, workshops and other essential facilities have been destroyed or severely damaged, depriving students of a conducive learning environment.
Moreover, it revealed that educational materials, such as textbooks and other essential materials have been damaged.
“We firmly believe that the adverse impact on education should be a central concern for the committee tasked with recovery efforts. By including the expertise and guidance of the Minister of Education, the committee will be better equipped to develop comprehensive plans and strategies to mitigate the impact on students and educational institutions.”
Education Policy Institute Africa
Furthermore, EDUPA noted that the education minister “can provide valuable insights and expertise regarding the immediate and long-term needs of affected students and schools”.
It explained that the involvement will also help ensure that educational facilities are restored or rebuilt promptly, and that students can resume their education as soon as possible.
“Additionally, the Minister can collaborate with relevant stakeholders to coordinate the provision of temporary learning spaces, materials, and resources, enabling disrupted schooling to continue during the recovery phase.”
Education Policy Institute Africa
Considering the devastation caused by the flooding, the Institute maintained that there are psychological and emotional implications and concerns which need to be addressed among affected students.
“The Minister of Education can contribute to the development and implementation of support programs that cater to the trauma experienced by students due to this natural disaster. These programmes can provide counseling services, mental health support, and additional resources to help students cope with the challenges they face.”
Education Policy Institute Africa
Moreover, EDUPA highlighted that including the Minister of Education in the committee will ensure that the voices and concerns of students, parents, and educators are also adequately represented and considered when making decisions regarding the recovery process.
Medical interventions in affected communities
Meanwhile, the VRA Health Service, led by its Medical Director, Dr Omari-Yeboah has deployed medical support and medicines to cater for victims of the flood.
Dr Omari-Yeboah explained that he along with his team are working closely with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to deploy staff to the affected areas.
“Doctors, Nurses and allied health professionals have been deployed to provide much-needed medical support. The GHS has deployed personnel from other parts of the country to augment the efforts of the medical staff on the ground. We are providing medical, sanitary, lab and pharmacy services at no cost to the citizens”.
Dr Omari-Yeboah
Furthermore, Dr Yeboah noted that his outfit was supplying medicines to support the relief effort.
These medical relief supplies include anti-venom serums, painkillers, antibiotics, hand sanitizers, mosquito repellents, gloves, cannulas, dewormers and anti-fungal topical creams.
The VRA Health Service also supplied drugs that targeted specific diseases such as cholera, enteric fever, dysentery, worm infestations, skin infections, snake bites, malaria and respiratory diseases.
Dr Omari-Yeboah reassured the victims that the supply of drugs and medical equipment would not be the only intervention from VRA’s Evacuation Plan and that all affected districts were going to be constantly supplied with vital medical items and drugs.
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