Following the announcement of the GHS 220 million allocation to relieve the victims of the Akosombo and Kpong dams spillage by the Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori Atta, there has been renewed discussions of the plights of the people in the North Tongu Constituencies and its environs.
This argument now centered on the sufficiency of the amount the Government has allocated.
In the wake of the renewed discussions, Richard Ahiagbah, the Director of Communications for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), underscored the government’s dedication to substantive actions rather than mere propaganda.
According to him, by allocating GH¢220 million to aid flood victims in the Volta Region and other affected areas, the government aimed to provide significant relief to those grappling with the aftermath of the disaster.
Ahiagbah’s declaration served as a clear message.
“The government has devoted GH¢220 million to support communities impacted by the recent floods. Let the Twitter Bird whisper this to @OfficialNDCGh that NPP believes in action, not words or propaganda.”
Richard Ahiagbah, Director of Communications-NPP
Many members of the Majority in Parliament have welcomed the effort from government as good gesture.
However, the Minority in Parliament, spearheaded by Minority Chief Whip Kwame Agbodza, perceived the allocated amount as insufficient. Agbodza expressed his dissatisfaction, labeling the GH¢220 million as a “drop in the ocean” after the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta unveiled the relief fund.
Ofori-Atta defended the budgetary allocation, elucidating the reasoning behind it. He provided a comprehensive overview of the severe impact of the Akosombo Dam spillage, stemming from unprecedented rainfall.
The Finance Minister outlined the multifaceted support efforts led by the government through agencies such as the Volta River Authority, NADMO, and a high-level inter-ministerial committee. The aid encompasses essential provisions such as food, drinks, mattresses, mosquito nets, clothing, baby items, sanitary products, treated water services, solar lamps, sanitation services, and the restoration of utility services.
NDC Questions 220 Million Package’s Sufficiency
Despite these assurances, Kwame Governs Agbodza , a Member of Parliament for the Adaklu Constituency, raised pertinent questions about the GH¢220 million, expressing skepticism about its adequacy for substantial reconstruction efforts.
His concerns encompassed rebuilding schools and hospitals, resettling displaced teachers and key workers, and repairing essential infrastructure. Agbodza emphatically stated, “That money is woefully inadequate to do anything,” underscoring the urgency of comprehensive discussions regarding the relief and reconstruction strategies.
“I wish we could have comprehensive discussions about it because it is not going to be a one-off thing. If this is just for the relief part of the work, fine but if if it is supposed to be part of the reconstruction, rehabilitation then it is a drop in the ocean.”
Kwame Governs Agbodza – MP, Adaklu Constituency
According to him, the NDC together with some others alone has raised GHS 15 million, hence he expected much from the Government of Ghana.
“For NDC and some people we have spoken to, the contributions we have made already, I can put a figure to it, it is about GHS15 million. The GHS220 Million, what is it supposed to do? Is it supposed to rebuild the schools, and hospitals, resettle teachers and key workers who have been displaced, and repair rapids? What is it supposed to do?”
Kwame Governs Agbodza – MP, Adaklu Constituency
The challenges posed by the recent natural disasters, and the contrasting perspectives between the government and the opposition highlight the intricacies involved in effective relief and rebuilding efforts and remain a subject of debate. The divergence in opinions between the government and the Minority in Parliament underscores the need for transparency, collaboration, and a shared commitment to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
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