The Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has raised concerns regarding the disbursement of GHS 80 million by the government to aid victims of the flood which occurred last year due to the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The North Tongue Member of Parliament, expressing his reservations questioned the transparency of the disbursement process, highlighting that the President’s statement lacked specific information regarding where the funds were directed and how they were being utilized for the rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts for the displaced victims of the flood.
“The President only said a release by the Finance Ministry did not indicate the destination and what it is being used for. Is it the case that probably it was released just a few hours before his address, and that is why we have not seen any concrete development on the ground?”
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP North Tongu
The Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa further asserted that, so far, there has been no visible government-led initiative in terms of rehabilitation and construction for the displaced victims of the flood occasioned by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.
According to him, all the constructed displaced homes in his Constituency were led by private initiatives that were supervised by his office.
The Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament also stated that all the support provided for the livelihoods of the flood victims largely came from non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and not the government.
Calls For Transparency
Furthermore, Honorable Samuel Okudzeto called on the government to ensure transparency regarding its disbursement of fund to the victims of the flood resulting from the Akosombo dam spillage.
He indicated that, it is only through transparent mechanisms by the government that would ensure that each of the citizens affected by the flood as a result of the spillage of the Akosombo dam receive some form of support from the state.
“It will be really important to know exactly the destination of that release. I’m sure that if we follow through with this urgent question to seek clarity from Ministers of State, things will be put into proper perspective.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, MP North Tongu
The Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, recounting his disappointment over President Akufo-Addo’s failure to address the matter during the State of the Nation address, considering the significance of the situation, also called for urgent actions from the government to address the concerns of the victims of the flood occasioned by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.
It is important to mention that President Akufo-Addo while delivering his speech at Ghana’s 67th Independence Day Celebration in Koforidua on March 6, 2024, pledged his government commitment to provide significant support for the affected communities of the flood occasioned by the Akosombo dam spillage, highlighting the allocation of funds by the government for the rehabilitation of the affected communities.
He indicated that the government had disbursed eighty million cedis (GH¢80 million) out of the two hundred and twenty million cedis (GH¢220 million) which was stated in the 2024 Budget through the Ministry of Finance, to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities in the Volta and Greater Accra Region respectively.
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