President Akufo-Addo has revealed that GH¢80 million out of the promised GH¢220 million has been released by the Ministry of Finance, to support the ongoing rehabilitation of communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Delivering his speech at the 67th Independence Day Celebrations in Koforidua on Wednesday (6 March 2024) the President said the government is constantly working to support people affected by the flood.
“I must, at this stage, reaffirm the Government’s continued commitment to providing support for victims of the recent, extensive flooding in downstream communities, in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions, caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam last year – a necessary action which was taken to maintain the dam’s structural integrity.”
“As set out in the 2024 budget, the Government has set aside GH¢220 million, of which GH¢80 million has already been released by the Ministry of Finance, to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities,” he said.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) commenced water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams last year.
The exercise, which began on September 15, 2023, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir, led to the overflow of the Volta River.
This resulted in massive flooding and displacement of settlements in about nine different district assemblies in the Volta and Eastern regions including North, Central and South Tongu District Assemblies, Asuogyaman, Shai Osudoku and Ada.
The flooding submerged the communities and displaced close to 15,000 people in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions.
Subsequently, in November 2023, the government as part of the 2024 budget, earmarked GH¢220 million to aid relief efforts for communities impacted by the Akosombo Dam spillage floods.
However, in February 2024, the Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, called out the government for failing to take any concrete action despite claiming to have released funds for the communities.
Speaking at the commissioning of housing units for 300 affected victims, Mr Ablakwa urged the government to address the situation promptly, stressing that tents are unsuitable for long-term habitation, especially as the seasons change.
Meanwhile, President Akufo-Addo said, “government will stop at nothing to restore normalcy to the lives and livelihoods of all affected persons.”
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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