Severe flooding in Mamime and Lawoshime, two communities in the Keta Municipality of the Volta Region, has led to the closure of lower primary schools as rising water levels submerge classrooms and surrounding roads.
The flooding, triggered by continuous rainfall, has also destroyed homes and farmlands, with residents estimating financial losses in the thousands of Ghana cedis. Concerns are mounting over safety, access to education, and the lack of basic services in the area.
Patience Dogbatse, a volunteer teacher in Mamime, told Citi News on Friday that the closure of lower primary schools is a necessary precaution to avoid endangering young children.
“The condition here is very bad. We need urgent help. The government must do something about this,” she said.
According to Dogbatse, the annual floods are discouraging teachers from accepting postings in the area, deepening the already strained educational situation. While upper primary students are still able to attend classes, younger pupils have been forced to stay home due to the inaccessibility of school facilities.
“We are also facing serious road challenges,” she added, noting that the poor infrastructure makes daily commutes dangerous and unreliable.
A long-delayed bridge project intended to connect Mamime, Lawoshime, and nearby areas remains incomplete, leaving residents increasingly vulnerable during the rainy season.
Community members are now calling on the government to take swift action, including the provision of canoes, life jackets, and improved road networks to ensure safe transportation during floods.
“The government needs to provide us with canoes, life jackets, and a good road,” one resident emphasized.
In response, Keta Municipal Chief Executive Wisdom Seade said assessments are currently being conducted to support affected households. He expressed support for the temporary school closures, calling them a necessary measure to protect children’s lives while emergency relief and long-term infrastructure solutions are considered.
