President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo delivered the State of the Nation Address on Tuesday, February 27 2024 in fulfillment of Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution.
However, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo failed to address the plight of over 40,000 Ghanaian citizens who were severely affected by the Volta River Authority spillage exercise of the Akosombo dam during his 31-page address.
The unfortunate neglect of the plight of the over 40,000 Ghanaians who were affected by the flood occasioned by the Akosombo dam spillage by President AkufoAddo has sparked widespread disappointment and raised questions about the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
It is without doubt that the flood occasioned by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dam last year is the most devastating natural or man-induced disaster that has happened in the history of Ghana.
The devastating flood has left tens of thousands of Ghanaians displaced, homeless, and lost their livelihood with many of them struggling to rebuild their lives.
While several Ghanaians have demonstrated genuine concerns by sending support in various forms, the President’s silence on this matter during such a crucial national address makes one wonder about the government’s priorities and concern for the affected citizens.
What adds to the disappointment is the absence of any mention of a government resettlement and compensation plan for the affected individuals and communities.
This lack of clarity on the government’s intentions regarding the displaced citizens amplifies suspicions among some Ghanaians who believe that the ruling government is deliberately neglecting the plight of those affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.
Furthermore, the President’s failure to outline a concrete plan for resettlement and compensation could foster an environment of distrust and skepticism among the populace, particularly the individuals affected by the incident.
Reacting to the President’s address, the North Tongu Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, decried the president’s failure to address the dire situation faced by approximately 40,000 victims affected by the Volta River Authority (VRA) spillage.
The Honorable Ablakwa highlighting the pressing need for governmental intervention for the victims of the Akosombo dam spillage, strongly asserted that the victims have been living in very poor conditions for five months and counting, without any sign of resettlement or compensation from the government.
In his critique, the Honorable Ablakwa questioned the priorities reflected in the President’s address, stating that the silence on the VRA spillage victims raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to the welfare of its citizens.
“It is most condemnable, unpresidential, and un-Ghanaian for President Akufo-Addo to in his Message on the State of the Nation totally ignore the plight of 40,000 VRA spillage victims, some of whom remain displaced and continue to live in refugee-like tents 5 months and counting without governmental resettlement and compensation”.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
He stressed the urgency of addressing the plight of those affected, urging President Akufo-Addo to take immediate action to provide relief, compensation, and a comprehensive resettlement plan for the victims.
It is not out of place to state that the affected citizens, who have already endured the trauma of displacement and loss, deserve some level of reassurance and commitment of support from their government regarding their future.
Therefore, the government must demonstrate its commitment to the over 40, 000 Ghanaians who were affected by the Akosombo dam spillage by providing a comprehensive plan for resettlement and compensation as failure to do so only adds to the distress of those already suffering.
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