Provide counselling for schools affected by the Bogoso explosion – GNAT appeals to GES
Following the tragic explosion in Appiatse near Bogoso in the Western Region, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has urged the Ghana Education Service (GES) to identify schools in the surrounding areas and provide counselling help.
In a statement released on Friday, January 21, 2022, GNAT contended the “Provision of psychosocial healthcare support to survivors, other workers like teachers, parents, students and notable residents in communities in and around the disaster zone”
The teachers’ union also called for “Full investigations into the incident and whether recommended safety measures were adhered to in the transportation of the hazardous materials that caused the explosion.”
Meanwhile, the Police had said its preliminary investigation established that a mining explosive vehicle moving from Tarkwa to Chirano mines collided with a motorcycle resulting in the explosion.
“Reference to our earlier emergency public notice, the Police have taken charge of the situation providing security to enable the emergency workers including the Ghana National Fire Service, NADMO and the Ambulance Service to manage the situation adding that “the public has been advised to move out of the area to nearby towns for their safety while recovery efforts are underway. An appeal is also being made to nearby towns to open up their classrooms, churches etc to accommodate surviving victims”.
According to the Police, “Most of the victims involved in the incident” had been rescued and admitted at various hospitals and clinics within the area.
Read below GNAT’s full statement.
GNAT HQ – Accra
Date: 21st January 2022
PRESS RELEASE
GNAT COMMISERATES WITH EXPLOSION VICTIMS
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) commiserates with the dead and injured families of the explosion at Apiate near Bogoso.
As the leading teacher union with members also teaching in the affected and adjoining communities, we wish to expressly commend the proactiveness of the Ghana Police, National Disaster Management Organisation and other emergency groups in seeking relief and healthcare for victims of the disaster.
GNAT has received reports from members about how the incident has affected school operations and triggered psychological effects on teachers and students in schools in the area.
As disaster relief efforts continue, GNAT wishes to recommend the following;
Provision of psychosocial healthcare support to survivors, other workers like teachers, parents, students and notable residents in communities in and around the disaster zone.
Full investigations into the incident and whether recommended safety measures were adhered to in the transportation of the hazardous materials that caused the explosion.
Appeal to the Ghana Education Service to identify schools in the adjoining communities and assist them with counselling support.
In this time of National Grief, GNAT asks all Ghanaians to pray for the surviving victims and affected families.
Source: Richard Mensah Adonu | Join our Telegram Group
