Ablakwa blasts gov't over Akosombo Dam spillage inaction

Accra, Ghana - Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has vehemently condemned the government's inaction in supporting victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage, which occurred almost a year ago.

Addressing a stakeholder public hearing, Ablakwa expressed outrage that over 1,300 affected individuals remain in camps, without receiving compensation or necessary support to rebuild their lives.

He criticized the government's response as grossly inadequate, highlighting the failure of the inter-ministerial committee established to address the issue to engage with MPs from affected areas.

Ablakwa's remarks come as frustration mounts among affected communities, who feel neglected by the government's lack of tangible support.

The Akosombo Dam spillage, which occurred almost a year ago,  displaced thousands of people, causing widespread destruction to homes, farmlands, and livelihoods.

"You heard the government set up a 30-member committee. We are the inter-ministerial committee. To be very honest with you, we are very disappointed that that committee has not met us even once. I mean, a lot of the members, we are in parliament with them. I would have thought that even if it’s parliament, we can meet here.”

“We can even meet at the cafeteria, even over coffee that, oh, share data with us or tell us what is happening. You know, not one meeting, not so, we don’t know if it was just maybe an announcement for the public for some cosmetic reason, but we don’t know.

"The chiefs time without a number, they will even call us. You are in parliament with them. When is the committee coming? and we can’t provide answers because we are not, we haven’t been engaged," he stated.

Ablakwa's call for action echoes the sentiments of many affected persons, who urge the government to take immediate steps to provide compensation, relief, and support to help them recover from the disaster.

Source: Lead News Online