The United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has donated about US$500,000 to support education in communities affected by the Akosombo.Dam spillage-induced floods.
With a keen interest in human capital development, peace and stability, USAID aims to alleviate the challenges faced by these educational institutions, recognising the importance of safeguarding the education and well-being of the affected schools and students.
The support among others would provide teaching and learning materials, sports kits and cash grants for thousands of victims.
It would be recalled that the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams in October 2023, led to the displacement of numerous residents in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions. An occurrence that severely impacted schools in these catchment areas of the dam as many schools were submerged or converted into temporary housing units to accommodate displaced residents.
US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer, in a working visit to the communities alongside the Minister for Education, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, mentioned that recognising the urgent need for assistance, USAID has taken a proactive stance to provide financial support to ensure the continuity of education in the affected areas.
She emphasized the active involvement of USAID and UNICEF in restoring teaching and learning in areas affected by flooding, providing crucial assistance to both schools and communities grappling with the aftermath.
On his part, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum, acknowledging the challenges posed by the floods, underscored the importance of education as a key avenue for long-term recovery and community resilience.
The education minister encouraged parents in the affected regions to leverage the government’s free Senior High School (SHS) policy and enroll their children in school.
Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, added that numerous initiatives have been set in motion to reconstruct the affected communities and schools.
He commended the Ambassador for personally coming to provide additional humanitarian support to address the educational needs of displaced persons and assess the impact of earlier US interventions.
“In a clear manifestation of our longstanding cordial bilateral relationships, the government and the people of the US have been generous in providing large tents for learning since school pupils have been additionally displaced from their schools as some of their schools were destroyed while others are being used as displaced camps,” he said.
The MP further expressed gratitude to UNICEF and the World Food Programme for the incredible international support and partnership which all sides agree has made such a positive impact.
He took the opportunity to also highlight some of the initiatives undertaken by indigenes as the most affected constituency including conducting the delegation on a tour of MP’s safe alternative housing project.
