The National Democratic Congress (NDC), Ghana’s main opposition party, has called on the government to provide immediate support to the thousands of people affected by the recent spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
The dam, which is located on the Volta River and provides most of the country’s electricity, was forced to spill excess water due to heavy rains and high inflows. The spillage, which started on September 15, flooded several communities in the Volta region, especially in the districts of South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, and Asuogyaman.
The NDC expressed its solidarity with the victims of the disaster and reiterated a call made by its presidential candidate, former President John Dramani Mahama, for the government and relevant agencies to take urgent action and provide assistance to those in need.
Sammy Gyamfi, the NDC’s National Communications Officer, said at a press conference on Monday that the government, the Volta River Authority (VRA), and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) should address the dire situation faced by the victims.
“We wish to first express our heartfelt sympathies to our brothers and sisters in the North, South, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region who have been displaced by the devastating spillage from the Akosombo Dam,” he said. “We wish to reiterate the important call made by our flag-bearer and leader, H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, for the government of Ghana to act through the Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and other relevant agencies to immediately provide the necessary support for residents in the affected communities.”
Gyamfi also criticized the government for its slow response and lack of preparedness, saying that it had failed to learn from previous experiences of dam spillage. He accused the government of being insensitive and neglectful of the plight of the people.
He urged the government to provide relief items, temporary shelters, health services, and compensation to the victims as soon as possible. He also called for a long-term plan to prevent future disasters and protect lives and properties.
The NDC also appealed to civil society organizations, religious groups, corporate bodies, and individuals to support the victims with donations and humanitarian aid.
The spillage of the Akosombo Dam has been a recurring problem in Ghana since its construction in 1965. The last major spillage occurred in 2010, affecting more than 300,000 people.
Source: [GhanaWeb]
