The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has contested government assertions regarding the allocation of approximately GH¢80 million for rehabilitation efforts in flood-affected communities following the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
The opposition party refutes any ongoing intervention works by the government or substantial relief efforts for victims of the 2023 flooding incidents.
NDC’s Volta Regional Communications Officer, Sorkpa Kafui Agbleze, emphasized in a press release.
According to him, it is unacceptable for the government to make false assurances and for the President to misinform the public about the aid being provided to alleviate their suffering.
“It is therefore unconscionable for the government to make false promises and for the President to mislead the public about the support being provided to mitigate their suffering”, he added.
President Akufo-Addo, in his 67th National Independence Day address in Koforidua, claimed, “As set out in the 2024 budget, the Government has set aside two hundred and twenty million cedis (GH¢220 million), of which eighty million cedis (GH¢80 million) has already been released by the Ministry of Finance, to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities. The government will stop at nothing to restore normalcy to the lives and livelihoods of all affected persons.”
The NDC contends that this statement is misleading, as there are no visible signs of rehabilitation projects or financial aid in the affected areas. They assert, “It is evident that the promised relief funds have not been provided.”
Instead, private individuals, organizations, companies, and foreign entities have stepped in with deliberate interventions, driven by continuous advocacy and appeals.
The lack of transparency and accountability in the disbursement of the allocated funds intended to aid flood victims is questioned by Mr. Agbleze.
He lamented that victims continue to endure the catastrophic consequences of the disaster, including displacement of thousands, loss of livelihoods, and property damage worth millions of cedis.
The NDC demands that the NPP government refrain from politicizing the human-induced disaster, provide immediate clarification on the status of the allocated funds, and ensure prompt distribution to the intended beneficiaries.
They stressed that the people of the Volta Region, like all other regions, deserve complete transparency and timely assistance during this crisis.
Mr. Agbleze concluded by affirming the NDC’s unwavering solidarity with the people of the Volta Region and their commitment to advocating for their rights, interests, and welfare.
“We call on the NPP government to desist from callously politicizing the human-induced disaster, immediately provide clarity on the status of the allocated funds, and ensure that they get to the intended beneficiaries without further delay. The people of the Volta Region, like any other region, deserve nothing less than full transparency and timely assistance in this time of crisis.
“The NDC stands in solidarity with the people of the Volta Region and will thus relentlessly continue to advocate for their rights, interests, and welfare”, he concluded.