NADMO to appraise school buildings in Shama Ahanta

Sekondi, Oct. 24, GNA - The Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Office of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), is to undertake a survey of buildings of first and second cycle schools to ensure they are in good condition to withstand natural disasters. Mr Alex Adu-Boahen, Metropolitan Coordinator of NADMO, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview at Sekondi on Tuesday that the survey would be undertaken in collaboration with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as part of the activities marking this year's Disaster Risk Reduction Week in the metropolis.

The theme for the week is: "Disaster Risk Reduction Begins at School".

Mr Adu-Boahen said after the survey, his office would make recommendations to the Shama-Ahanta East Metropolitan Assembly (SAEMA) to rehabilitate buildings found to be in bad condition. He said his office in collaboration with the GNFS would also prepare disaster evacuation plans for schools in the event of natural disasters based on the survey.

Mr Adu-Boahen said the plan would outline what pupils, students and staff of schools would have to do during natural disasters to save lives.

He said search and rescue teams and first aid teams would also be formed in schools and their members trained and equipped with techniques with support from the Ghana Red Cross Society and the GNFS.