VRA builds schools for resettled communities

Vakpo-Dunyo (V/R), Aug 12, GNA - Mr Joseph Z. Amenowode, the Volta Regional Minister, has appealed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to be more proactive in engaging the leadership of hosts and resettled communities for amicable resolution of land disputes. He said there had been antagonism between host landowners and resettled communities in some parts of the country, particularly the Volta Region, after the construction of the Akosombo Dam in 1960.

Mr Amenowode pledged the Regional Coordinating Council's readiness and support aimed at bringing lasting peace to both parties.

He said this at the inauguration of two three-unit classroom blocks at Vakpo-Dunyo and Aveme-Danyigba worth GHc 133,000 and the rehabilitation of two schools at Botoku and Tsoxo-Duyeye costing GHc 64,000 that the VRA Resettlement Trust Fund financed. Mr Amenowode appealed to VRA to include host communities in their social responsibility projects as this would reduce antagonisms between host and re-settlers.

Mr Francis Ganyaglo, the Kpando District Chief Executive, appealed to host and re-settler communities to share in the painful responsibility of loss of land with dignity and respect because "this is our contribution to the development of the country." He commended Togbega Gbogbolulu V, Paramount of Vakpo

Traditional Area and Togbe Attieku III, Chief of Vakpo-Dunyo, for the pursuit of peaceful co-existence that made it possible for the school blocks to be built.

Mr Andrew T. Baffour, Board Chairman of VRA Resettlement Trust Fund, said the Fund was instituted to provide social welfare packages to the 52 displaced communities after the creation of the Akosombo Dam in 1960. He said it had continued to provide welfare projects on the environment, public health, education, community centres and the provision of water, sanitation and electricity to the affected communities. Mr Baffour said the Trust Fund is challenged by inadequate funding, resulting from a fixed contribution of 500,000 dollars by VRA since 1996 and called for an upward review.

Ms Martha Tsuiatofe, Chairperson of the Town Development Committee, appealed to VRA and the Trust Fund to consider building teachers' quarters and establish a scholarship scheme for brilliant but needy children.

Togbega Gbogbolulu, urged the Trust Fund to refurbish the Vakpo Technical Senior High School as part of its social responsibility. Similarly, the Trust Fund inaugurated a kindergarten at Dambai.