It has been almost a month since the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage caused severe flooding resulting in the devastating destruction of livelihoods and properties of various communities and residents in the lower basin of the Volta River.
For several weeks, residents in parts of the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra Regions have endured the distressing aftermath of the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage as thousands of people have been displaced, their homes submerged, and properties, including farmlands, have been destroyed due to the devastating damages of the flood.
According to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), the flood resulting from the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams has displaced almost twenty-six thousand residents within the lower basin of the Volta River.
However, amidst the devastating damages caused by the flood, the Government of Ghana has refused to yield to calls from well-meaning Ghanaians including that of the former President and the National Democratic Congress flagbearer for the 2024 general elections, John Dramani Mahama, Members of Parliament in the affected communities, traditional leaders, and religious leaders to declare as state of emergency.
Again, notwithstanding, the government’s refusal to declare a state of emergency in the affected communities, it has failed to announce its Disaster Management Plan and Resettlement Plan for the affected communities nearly a month after the government established its Inter-Ministerial Committee to coordinate government’s response to the unfortunate event.
Minority MPs Revolt Against Government Silence On Flood Victims
Yesterday, November 8 2023, tension and confusion erupted in Parliament between the Minority and Majority Caucus over the government’s response to the devastating flooding caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams’.
This was after the Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh led the Senior Management of the Volta River Authority to address Parliament on the spillage exercise.
He rejected claims that the Volta River Authority acted negligently in the management of the spillage, stressing that the Volta River Authority carried out adequate sensitization and awareness campaigns before it embarked on the spillage exercise.
However, the Energy Minister failed to announce to Parliament the government disaster management plan or resettlement plan for the affected victims of the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage.
In reacting to the statement of the Energy Minister, the North Tongu Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah chastised the government and the Volta River Authority for its mishandling of the victims of the flood occasioned by the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage.
The North Tongu legislator also refuted claims that Members of Parliament in the various communities affected by the flood resulting from the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage have been given relief items by the Volta River Authority and government.
Moreover, the North Tongu lawmaker expressed grave concerns and regret about the inability of the government to announce a resettlement plan as well as compensation for the victims of the Akosombo-induced flood.
“I am appalled that in this entire statement there was no mention of resettlement. How long are my people going to stay in school? Look the inhumanity, the indignity that people are suffering are too severe; 85 and 95 years old are all staying in the classroom! Those of us here, would we accept to stay in the classroom for two hours or three hours?
“Why is it taking the government so long to announce a resettlement policy for those affected, whose houses have been destroyed and have displaced? There has been no mention of compensation, Mr Speaker imagine losing everything you have. And so long as this so-called safe haven which there is nothing safe haven about is in place; education is affected, and the children can’t have their classroom back. Mr Speaker, we are talking about a catastrophe and a humanitarian crisis.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
Disaster management in flood crises is vital for safeguarding lives, minimizing damage, and facilitating a swift and coordinated response.
It encompasses various strategies and actions aimed at reducing risk, enhancing preparedness, and ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to managing the impact of floods.
The government must therefore take immediate steps to announce its disaster management plan regarding the victims of the flood caused by the Akosombo and Kpong dams’ spillage.
Such a disaster management plan by the government must contain government resettlement and compensation policies for the residents affected by the flood.
Any further delay on the side of the government would be detrimental to the livelihood and wellbeing of the flood victims.
READ ALSO: Dr Bawumia Makes Historic Visit To NPP Headquarters
