Mepe Development Association relocates over 400 flood victims
In a bid to facilitate the reopening of schools in the Mepe Traditional Area, which was heavily affected by the Akosombo Dam flood disaster, the Mepe Development Association (MDA) has successfully relocated over 400 displaced persons from various safe havens, including St. Kizito Senior Technical School.
Most of the displaced individuals had their homes destroyed by the flood, and they have now been relocated to Mepe-Degorme Junior High School (JHS) and other accommodation facilities provided by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hlordzi Dodzi, a community member.
Fabian Mawulenu Kojo, Chairman of the MDA, commended the Association’s leadership for this exemplary action, which prevented the collapse of St. Kizito School and ensured the smooth continuation of the academic calendar.
Following a stakeholders’ forum organized by the MDA to address the consequences of the flood disaster on various aspects of the community, including education, housing, and health, a resolution was reached by community members, traditional leaders, and other interest groups. In response, the MDA established a five-member Relocation Committee to devise a plan for the resumption of schools.
READ ALSO: NIA refutes blame for “illegal” charges on MoMo to Bank transfers
The committee’s mandate covered the six safe havens that had accommodated displaced persons during the height of the disaster, including St. Kizito Senior High Technical School, Holy Christ D.A. School, Mepe Presby Primary, D.A. JHS, Mepe Roman Catholic Primary, and Junior High Schools.
As part of the committee’s recommendations, Mepe-Degorme JHS, an abandoned school block, was identified for renovation to house the displaced persons, thus allowing the reopening of St. Kizito and other basic schools for the resumption of academic activities.
In support of the committee’s work, the MDA organized communal labor involving community members and chiefs. They cleared weeds around the designated facilities, enabling the timely completion of the renovation works.
“We engaged contractors to carry out electrical, masonry, plumbing, carpentry, painting, and other works, completing the renovation of Degorme JHS in record time at a significant cost. We also provided logistical support in relocating all the displaced persons to the new facilities. All these efforts were undertaken without any support from the state or its affiliated institutions,” stated the Chairman.
The US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Palmer, visited the Mepe-Degorme JHS safe haven to meet the displaced persons and discuss avenues for supporting the affected communities. The USAID and UNICEF, through the Akosombo Safe Activity, provided essential school supplies, temporary school structures, and other assistance worth $500,000 to facilitate teaching and learning for children in flood-affected communities.
The MDA Chairman expressed gratitude to the government of the United States of America, USAID, and UNICEF for their generous support.
However, the Chairman also highlighted the lack of communication regarding the visit of the US ambassador, the Education Minister, Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, NADMO, and other dignitaries to the facility. The MDA and the Mankralo of the Mepe traditional area were not informed about the program, despite playing significant roles in the relocation exercise.
The MDA made significant efforts to meet with the Education Minister to discuss the resumption of schools in the Mepe traditional area by relocating displaced persons from St. Kizito and other schools used as safe havens. Unfortunately, these efforts were unsuccessful. The MDA Chairman emphasized that when the Education Minister announced the reopening of schools in Mepe during a press briefing, no plans were in place by the ministry, NADMO, or other state agencies to relocate the displaced persons.
READ ALSO: I spent 1 hour 45 minutes in heaven; An angel took me to a high mountain -Duncan Williams
“The District Assembly and NADMO have not engaged the MDA in the formal handover process of the Degorme safe haven. We are still managing this facility with over 400 people, despite numerous challenges. The structures still require upgrades, and our people still need food and other relief items,” added the Chairman.
He affirmed that the MDA remains open to engaging the Education Minister, NADMO, VRA (Volta River Authority), and other stakeholders to find a way forward in managing the aftermath of the flood disaster.
The Mepe Development Association (MDA) serves as the administrative organ of Mepe, working in collaboration with the Mepe Traditional Council and state and non-state actors to promote the development of the traditional area, which has a population of over 16,000. The MDA was established in 1955 and has worked with all governments since Ghana’s independence.
SOURCE: Coverghana.com.gh
