Story: Yaw Takyi

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has backed calls for President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency, as measures are being taken to provide relief for people affected by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

There have been calls for a state of emergency as a combined rescue team comprised the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), Ghana Armed Forces, and other relief agencies races to rescue people stranded and affected by rising floodwaters from the dams’ spillage, which commenced on September 15, 2023.

GNAT issued a statement solidarizing with the affected people while calling for a state of emergency to be declared in the affected areas to guarantee the supply of essential goods and services.

“The Ghana National Association of Teachers, GNAT, equally backs the call for a state of emergency to be declared in the affected areas, since the circumstances under which a state of emergency could be declared, whether natural or man-made 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,” the group added in its statement.

GNAT further urged teachers in the affected areas to “remain steadfast and calm” and pledged to ensure that affected students are not left out of their education.