Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed disappointment with the government’s failure to expedite the resettlement plan and provide temporary shelter for the Akosombo spillage victims. He voiced his concerns during an interview on the “Adekyee Mu Nsem” morning show on Ahotor 92.3 FM, hosted by Citizen Kofi Owusu in Accra.
Ablakwa criticized the government’s delay in disbursing funds for the resettlement plan since the disaster struck the Mepe community six months ago, calling it “very disappointing and unfortunate.”
In a separate development, Ablakwa inaugurated a seven-member Accountability Council tasked with ensuring the equitable distribution of relief items received by his office for the victims. He expressed bitterness over the government’s reluctance to allocate apartments at the Saglemi House Project to the victims, who are currently enduring harsh conditions mostly in school structures.
“No one deserves to live in a classroom under these conditions, especially when the Saglemi Housing Units remain unopened nearby,” Ablakwa emphasized. “If the government won’t allow people to move to Saglemi, then they must reconstruct houses on available land and provide compensation. The government’s silence on this matter is unacceptable.”
Livelihoods have come to a standstill in the North Tongu District, with 69 riverine communities suffering flash floods following the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Ablakwa criticized the Volta River Authority (VRA) for its lack of action in compensating victims who have lost lifetime investments and properties in the disaster. He questioned why the VRA had not collected data to verify and fairly compensate the victims.
“Why is the VRA silent on compensation? Why haven’t they requested community leaders to submit evidence and documentation of their losses?” Ablakwa demanded.
Ablakwa condemned the authority’s failure to control the dam spillage to minimize its impact on downstream communities, as seen in 2010. He blamed the devastating impact of the spillage on negligence by dam officials and questioned why citizens should suffer such a man-made disaster in an era of advanced technology.
“We will not accept this level of negligence,” Ablakwa declared. He vowed that the parliamentary committee would conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable.
In parliament, Ablakwa has tabled questions regarding the settlement plan, government funds allocated to the victims, and the disbursement of funds from ECOWAS, which have yet to reach the disaster victims.
Contact: AYM Kukah
Email: kukahalexander7@gmail.com
