Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for the North Tongu constituency, has disclosed that he has disbursed approximately GH¢150,000 to the Ghana Education Service in the district.
This funding is intended to cover six months’ rent advance for 167 teachers who were displaced by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam. In an interview with Citi News, the MP stressed the importance of encouraging these affected teachers to return and resume teaching for the continuity of education in the district.
Ablakwa expressed the view that such initiatives are crucial to ensure that the impacted teachers can return to their roles without facing hindrances. Despite the resumption of schools, not all children in the North Tongu district have returned to their classrooms.
The MP highlighted additional efforts made by his office, such as providing school bags, footwear, and other essential items to support education in the area. He also mentioned that full scholarships have been granted to 50 student victims across various tertiary institutions.
With regards to St. Kizito SHS, which housed the largest number of displaced victims, Ablakwa reported that teaching and learning have resumed, and ongoing painting and renovation works are expected to be completed by the following week.
He appealed to benevolent organizations to assist the affected victims, emphasizing the persistent impact of the floods and the urgent need for support.
Despite the receding water levels since the opening of spill gates at the Akosombo and Kpong dams by the Volta River Authority in October 2023, the aftermath has left over 8 districts affected and around 12,000 residents displaced in North Tongu.
Many victims with uninhabitable properties are still living in tents due to a shortage of accommodation.
Ablakwa’s initiative to construct a shelter in Mepe for 300 widows, elderly individuals, and single mothers is currently at about 78% completion. The facility, serving as the second resettlement center in the constituency, includes 50 rooms, washrooms, and an entertainment room exclusively for vulnerable women. The handover of this facility is scheduled for February 2024.
