Statement: Volta NDC exposes Akufo-Addo’s Misrepresentation of Lower Volta Flood Relief Efforts 

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region is compelled to set the record straight in response to the misleading assertions made by the President of the Republic, Nana Addo-Danquah Akufo Addo, during his last Independence Day speech regarding the allocation of funds to support victims of last year’s flood disaster caused by the spillages from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

In paragraph 44 of his speech at the national parade to commemorate the 67th Independence Day Anniversary of Ghana, held in Koforidua, the capital of the Eastern Region on Wednesday March 6, 2024, the President categorically said,

“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.”

Contrary to the President’s claims, no tangible evidence has been presented to corroborate the release of any financial assistance to the affected communities. Rather, per our investigations and consultations within the affected areas, it is evident that the promised relief funds have not been disbursed as claimed. What is evident on the ground are deliberate interventions by private individuals, organizations, companies and foreign entities, made possible by virtue of the incessant advocacies and appeals made mainly by Citi FM/TV and Hon. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu.

The lack of transparency and accountability regarding these funds raises serious concerns about this government’s commitment to addressing the plight of the flood victims.

The people of the Volta Region continue to suffer from the devastating effects of the flood disaster, including displacement, loss of livelihoods, and damage to property. 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.

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.

SIGNED:
Sorkpa Kafui Agbleze
Volta Regional Communications Officer