In order to support the reopening of schools in the Mepe traditional area, which was severely affected by the devastating flood caused by the Akosombo Dam, the Mepe Development Association (MDA) has successfully relocated more than 400 individuals who were displaced during the disaster. These displaced individuals were provided with shelter and safety in several different locations, including the St. Kizito Senior Technical School.
The individuals who have been displaced, the majority of whom had their houses destroyed due to the flood, have been relocated to Mepe-Degorme Junior High School and various other lodging options that have been arranged by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hlordzi Dodzi, who is a native of the community.
Fabian Mawulenu Kojo, Chairman of the MDA, commended the Association for their exceptional display of leadership, stating that it played a crucial role in preventing the collapse of St. Kizito School and ensuring the uninterrupted flow of the academic calendar.
One of the primary reasons for engaging stakeholders in the relocation process is to ensure that their concerns and interests are taken into account. By involving stakeholders from the beginning, organizations can gather valuable insights and perspectives that can help shape the relocation plans and mitigate any potential negative impacts.
In addition, stakeholder engagement facilitates effective communication and transparency throughout the relocation process. Regular updates and open dialogue with stakeholders help to build trust and maintain positive relationships. It allows for the exchange of information, clarification of any concerns or misconceptions, and creates a platform for stakeholders to voice their feedback and suggestions.
Stakeholder engagement also fosters a sense of ownership and buy-in among those affected. When individuals feel that their opinions and input are valued, they are more likely to support and actively participate in the relocation process. This can lead to smoother transitions and minimized resistance or opposition. Stakeholder engagement plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of any relocation initiative.
It involves actively involving and communicating with all individuals and groups who have an interest or are affected by the relocation process. These stakeholders can include employees, customers, suppliers, local communities, government agencies, and other relevant parties. Overall, stakeholder engagement is a vital component of any relocation process.
It ensures that the interests and concerns of all relevant parties are considered, fosters ownership and support, facilitates effective communication, and can lead to the identification of new opportunities. By actively involving stakeholders, organizations can increase the likelihood of a successful and well-received relocation.
Furthermore, stakeholder engagement can contribute to the identification of potential opportunities and synergies that may arise from the relocation. By involving various stakeholders, organizations can tap into their expertise, networks, and resources, which can lead to new partnerships, collaborations, or innovative solutions.
This collaborative approach can enhance the overall success and sustainability of the relocation. However, stakeholder engagement requires careful planning and execution. It is important to identify and prioritize key stakeholders, tailor engagement strategies to their specific needs and preferences, and provide them with the necessary information and support. This may involve conducting surveys, organizing meetings, workshops or focus groups, and utilizing various communication channels such as email, social media, or dedicated online platforms.
After a stakeholders’ forum organized by the MDA to discuss the consequences of the flood disaster on various aspects such as businesses, housing, health, and education, a resolution was reached by community members, traditional leaders, and other interest groups. As a result, the MDA took the initiative to establish a Relocation Committee consisting of five members. This committee was tasked with providing recommendations on the best course of action for the resumption of schools in the affected areas.
The Committee’s efforts extended to all six safe havens where displaced individuals sought shelter during the peak of the catastrophe. These safe havens included 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.
The committee in charge of relocation has put forth several proposals, one of which includes the refurbishment of Mepe-Degorme Junior High School. This abandoned school block will be transformed into a suitable site for accommodating the displaced individuals, thereby clearing the path for the reopening of St. Kizito and other primary schools. These actions are necessary to ensure the smooth continuation of educational activities.
The communal labor project serves as a platform for community members to contribute their skills, resources, and time towards the renovation process. This collective effort is essential in mobilizing the community’s strength and harnessing their collective potential to bring about positive change. The renovation of Mepe-Degorme Junior High School through communal labor is a testament to the power of unity and collaboration.
It showcases the determination of the community to provide quality education and a nurturing environment for its youth. This initiative serves as an inspiring example for other communities, demonstrating that by working together, great strides can be made towards improving educational facilities and opportunities. The Mepe-Degorme Junior High School has been in dire need of renovation for quite some time.
The deteriorating condition of the classrooms, hallways, and other facilities has been a cause for concern among both students and teachers. Recognizing the importance of a conducive learning environment, the community has come together to address these issues and create an improved space for education. Furthermore, the communal labor project fosters a sense of ownership and pride within the community.
By actively participating in the renovation process, community members develop a stronger connection to the school and its mission. This sense of belonging promotes a positive environment, where everyone feels invested in the success of the students and the school as a whole.
The project not only focuses on the physical aspects of the school but also aims to enhance the overall educational experience for students. This includes improving facilities such as libraries, laboratories, and sports areas, which are vital for the holistic development of young minds.
The communal labor project aims to renovate the Mepe-Degorme Junior High School. This initiative involves the joint efforts of members of the community to improve the facility and create a conducive learning environment for students. The renovation project of Mepe-Degorme Junior High School is a collaborative endeavor that brings together various individuals from the community.
The primary objective is to revitalize the school infrastructure, ensuring that it meets the necessary standards and provides a comfortable and safe space for students to learn. Through the communal labor project, volunteers from various walks of life come together to donate their expertise, whether it be in construction, carpentry, painting, or any other relevant field. This diverse range of skills ensures that all aspects of the renovation process are covered, leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of excellence.
To show their support for the committee’s efforts, the MDA orchestrated a collective effort involving community leaders and residents. Together, they embarked on a communal labor initiative aimed at removing weeds from the surrounding areas of the designated facilities. This concerted endeavor was undertaken with the purpose of creating a clean and unobstructed space, ensuring that the renovation works could be executed promptly and efficiently according to the set timeline.
The MDA (which stands for the name of the organization) undertook the responsibility of hiring contractors for a wide range of tasks including electrical work, masonry, plumbing, carpentry, and painting, among others. With great efficiency, we managed to complete the renovation project for Degorme JHS within a remarkably short period of time, albeit at a significant financial investment.
Furthermore, we extended our support by facilitating the logistical aspects of relocating all the affected individuals to the newly refurbished facilities. It is worth emphasizing that all these endeavors were accomplished entirely independent of any assistance or cooperation from the state or its affiliated institutions.
A delegation consisting of the US Ambassador, the Education Minister, and several other dignitaries paid a visit to our institution.
Virginia Palmer, the US Ambassador to Ghana, made a journey to the recently established Mepe-Degorme Junior High School safe haven in order to connect with the individuals who have been displaced and engage with other relevant parties to explore potential ways of assisting the impacted communities.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Akosombo Safe Activity, have allocated a substantial sum of $500,000 to provide crucial educational resources and temporary school structures, such as tents. This initiative aims to facilitate effective teaching and learning experiences for the children residing in areas severely affected by the devastating flood.
The Chairman of the MDA expressed his deep appreciation to the United States government for their generous aid, facilitated by organizations such as USAID and UNICEF.
Fabian expresses his confusion and disappointment over the lack of communication regarding the recent visit to the Degorme safe haven. Despite the MDA’s financial investment in the renovation and their ongoing obligations to contractors, they were not informed about the visit of important figures such as the US ambassador, Education Minister Yaw Adutwum, MP Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, NADMO, and other dignitaries. Even Togbe Korsi Nego VI, the Mankralo of the Mepe traditional area who represents the community, was unaware of the event. This lack of transparency and inclusion is concerning to Fabian.
Despite the MDA’s desperate attempts to arrange a meeting with the education minister regarding the reopening of schools in the Mepe traditional area and the relocation of displaced individuals from St. Kizito and other schools used as temporary shelters, their efforts proved futile. This disappointing outcome occurred subsequent to the minister’s visit to Mepe, during which he had promised the MDA his unwavering dedication to resolving any educational obstacles stemming from the devastating flood.
The education minister made an announcement during the Inter-Ministerial press briefing on November 22, 2023, regarding the reopening of schools in Mepe. However, it was concerning to note that neither the ministry, NADMO, nor any other state agencies had developed a comprehensive plan to address the issue of displaced persons who were currently occupying the schools, including St. Kizito. This lack of planning and preparation was emphasized by the speaker.
Both the District Assembly and NADMO have yet to initiate any communication with the MDA in order to officially transfer the responsibility of overseeing the Degorme safe haven to them. Currently, we are still in charge of managing this safe haven, which currently houses more than 400 individuals, despite facing numerous difficulties. The current structures still require some improvements, and the individuals residing here still require essential supplies such as food and relief items,” he further explained.
The chairman of the MDA expressed that they are still willing and eager to collaborate with the education minister, NADMO, VRA, and other relevant parties in order to find effective solutions for addressing the aftermath of the devastating flood disaster. They have extended an invitation for open dialogue and engagement, emphasizing the importance of working together to manage the various challenges and consequences brought about by this unfortunate event.
The Mepe Development Association (MDA) serves as the governing body for the Mepe community, located within the North Tongu District of the Volta Region. It holds the responsibility for overseeing various social and developmental matters within the region. Collaborating closely with the Mepe Traditional Council, the MDA actively engages with both governmental and non-governmental entities to facilitate progress and growth within the traditional area, which boasts a population exceeding 16,000 individuals.
Its establishment traces back to 1955, when it was formed by the Mepe Traditional Council, and it has since maintained a consistent and enduring partnership with successive Ghanaian governments since the nation’s independence.