GNAT backs calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected areas of the Volta Region.
GNAT backs calls for the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected areas of the Volta Region.
In a press statement dated October 17, 2023, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) expresses solidarity with the people of the Volta Region who are facing a severe calamity caused by the spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority. The GNAT emphasizes the catastrophic impact of the flooding on the region, including submerged buildings, farmlands, and personal belongings.
The statement questions whether the people downstream from the dam were adequately educated or warned about the potential consequences of the spillage. GNAT calls for immediate assistance from the government and international organizations to alleviate the suffering of the affected communities. The focus should be on practical steps to help the affected people rather than making political statements.
Additionally, GNAT supports the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected areas due to the threat posed by the disaster to public safety, public order, and the supply of essential goods and services.
The statement assures teachers in the region of support and assistance in carrying out their duties once the situation improves. The GNAT is committed to ensuring that education is not disrupted for the learners in the region.
Finally, the GNAT emphasizes the need for immediate action to prevent disease outbreaks and provide financial assistance to stabilize the affected communities. The statement concludes with a hope that the Volta Region will emerge stronger and more cohesive after the calamity.
THE CALAMITY IN THE VOLTA REGION
The Ghana National Association of Teachers., GNAT, issues this statement to solidarise with the people of the Volta Region, as a result of the calamity which has befallen them, out of the spillage of the voluminous amounts of water, from the Akosombo dam by the Volta River Authority.
Footages of scenes from the Region are indeed catastrophic, with the whole place inundated with water, and buildings, farmlands and personal belongings submerged. It is indeed a pitiful sight to behold, and our hearts go out to them!
The situation is quite tragic, more so when is manmade. We of the GNAT wonder, whether the people lower stream the dam, were educated or warned of the fate that awaited them, arising out of the spillage, and the steps to take so as not to be overwheimed as is now the case. If this was not done, then this is unfortunate,
and we wonder how fellow compatriots would overcome it in this era of austerity and economic malaise.
It is as a result of this that the Ghana National Association of Teachers, GNAT, calls on the government and intermational bodies and agencies to go to the immediate aid of the affected communities and people and save them from this unexpected calamity. This should not be a time for political statements, but pragmatic steps to ease the people out of the pain and anguish they are going through. The GNAT would do its part in the coming days, and we hope all would go to “Macedonia” to help too”.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers, GNAT, equally backs the call for a state of emergency to be declared in the affected arcas, since the circumstances under which a state of emergency could be declared, whether natural or manmade disasters is being experienced currently which is not only threatening the very existence of the people but also depriving the communities of the essentials of life.
The declaration of the emergency would secure public safety, maintenance of public order and guarantee the supply of essential goods and services required by the communities.
We ask our Teachers in the Region to remain steadfast and calm, and assure them of our utmost assistance, to enable them carry out their duties, when the storm is Over.
Our learners are also not left out, as we would make sure their education is neither disrupted nor thwarted for whatever reason.
Once again, we call for immediate action to save the people from diseases which may come in the trail of the flooding and financial assistance to put the people on an even keel so as to curb any unforeseen instability and nip any social unrest in the bud!
Let us ensure that at the end of it all, the Volta Region would emerge more cohesive, focused and strong, with the people still prepared to contribute to the forward march of Ghana. And we trust, this would definitely be the case.
source;
THOMAS T. MUSAH
GENERAL SECRETARY
DATED: TUESDAY, 171H 0CTOBER 2023
