President Nana Akufo-Addo visited areas severely affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage in Mepe, the Volta Region, and stirred controversy as he subtly reminded victims that he had visited to sympathize with them despite knowing they don’t typically vote for his party.
The flooding caused by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams has forced many communities in the north, south, and central Tongu districts of the Volta region to evacuate, leaving them with no choice but to salvage what remains of their belongings.
The situation is dire, with staff at Comboni Hospital evacuating their quarters and seeking shelter under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, and only 10 in critical condition remain, but they may have to be discharged as well if water levels don’t recede soon.
Touring the districts severely hit by this unfortunate situation, President Akufo-Addo assured the affected residents that the government would do everything in its power to resolve the situation.
He mentioned, “My visit here is a very simple one. It is to come and sympathize and commiserate with you about the tragedy that has occurred. When it happened, I was in America on official business, and the Chief of Staff called me in America about what had happened, and we discussed what had to be done. We agreed to establish an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate the government’s response to the tragedy.”
President Akufo-Addo also assured the flood victims that more relief items would be provided. Nine safe havens have been established in Mepe for the displaced residents to ensure their safety. All victims in the shelters have received relief items from NADMO, and the organization intends to continue providing aid.
Regarding the destroyed farmlands, President Akufo-Addo assured that the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, along with his office, would develop a comprehensive solution to address the challenges.
Despite acknowledging that he didn’t receive many votes from the region, President Akufo-Addo emphasized that he is there to sympathize with the residents as a leader of the country. He called on Ghanaians to avoid politicizing such occurrences.
“When these things happen and the government acts, politics does not come into the matter at all. When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath as president for every single individual in Ghana, all people in Ghana, all districts, and whether they voted for me or not. Once I have taken the oath, I am the President of all the people, so Togbe, I want the people here, beginning with you and the elders, to understand that when something like this happens and the government acts, the government is acting for Ghanaians, all Ghanaians,” he stressed.
President Akufo-Addo’s visit to the flood-affected areas emphasizes the importance of non-partisan support and humanitarian assistance in times of crises.