Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has called on government to declare a state of emergency and request for relief assistance from multilateral partners for residents impacted by the spillage of the Akosombo dam.
According to him, government is currently overwhelmed with the increasing nature of spillage and growing demand for essential supplies to cater to the needs of residents bearing the brunt of the spillage.
He revealed that it is clear that the scope and scale of the flooding of communities along the Volta River is bigger than “our crippled economy can bear”.
“I recommend to Government to declare a State of Emergency in the affected areas and request relief assistance from our bilateral and multilateral partners immediately.”
John Dramani Mahama
Joining calls for the declaration of state of emergency in the Volta region, President of IMANI Africa, Franklin Cudjoe, has expressed the need for President Akufo-Addo to heed to calls on declaring a state of emergency in the region.
He stated that institutions tasked to help address the situation appear to be under immense pressure, hence, it is vital to help make their work easier.
“Mr. President, it is obvious NADMO is overwhelmed, we are also bankrupt, so in agreement with Hon. Okudzeto, please declare a state of emergency now. Meanwhile, let us know how to donate to a credible fund.”
Franklin Cudjoe
Dedicated funding for NADMO to ensure prompt responsiveness
Elsewhere, member of parliament for Ningo-Prampram, Sam Nartey George, tasked President Akufo-Addo to ensure a well-structured funding mechanism for institutions required to provide relief items to victims of disaster, such as the devastation caused by the spillage from the Akosombo dam.
He stated that the time has come for government to have a proper national conversation on the funding of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
Sam George expressed that it is a shame that such a “critical national institution has no clear dedicated funding that makes it responsive in time” of need as is being seen with the devastation caused by the dam spillage.
“We cannot continue business as usual. Show leadership, Mr. President and let us have a frank and constructive national conversation. This is not the last natural or human-caused disaster we would face as a Nation. Enough of the excuses, time to get to work.”
Samuel Nartey George
Meanwhile, the Head of Central Analysis and Forecasting for the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMeT), Felicity Ahafianyo, has warned that more rains are expected in the lower Volta basin area, where many people have been displaced due to the spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam.
In light of this, she revealed that the agency has called on the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and other agencies to make efforts to relocate people to safe areas.
Following this, Ms Ahafianyo called on flood victims to follow NADMO’s directions and relocate immediately to avoid further risks.
“Rain is still in the forecast for North Tongu and its environs. Between now and the 23rd of October, rain is still in the forecast over the lower Volta basin area. I think from our point, we will also add our voice for our brothers and sisters to relocate, and listen to the authorities, NADMO, VRA, and all other authorities. They should relocate to a safer place.”
Felicity Ahafianyo
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