Ablakwa condemns govt’s inaction on Akosombo dam spillage relief

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has expressed his dissatisfaction with what he believes is government’s reluctance to provide relief support to people affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Ablakwa said government has neglected the affected persons most of whom are constituents of North Tongu.

The controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15 flooded communities in over four regions across the country, bringing untold suffering to the affected people.

Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, the North Tongu legislator was angry with the Minister of Energy, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, for failing to provide measures being taken by the government to lessen the plight of the affected people when he appeared before Parliament.

He was dissatisfied with the Minister’s defense of the Volta River Authority (VRA) for the spillage of the dam, which he told Parliament was necessary to protect the structural integrity of the dam and the people living downstream.

Ablakwa also denied taking relief items on behalf of his constituents from the VRA.

“There is this false claim that VRA is sharing relief items and MPs have received relief items. You will have constituents chasing you that, Mr. MP, we heard the Energy Minister in Parliament reveal that you guys have received the items, and you have not given them to us, you have not been transparent with us.”

He further bemoaned the government’s lack of interest in supporting the affected people despite a national rally of support coming from corporate organizations and individuals.