In the wake of the Akosombo Dam spillage disaster that has ravaged numerous communities, Majority Caucus in Parliament has raised its voice, demanding answers from the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The spillage has submerged approximately 43 communities, causing widespread destruction of buildings, properties, and leaving residents in dire circumstances. Affected areas include Lonto, Sika Kura, no 1 and 2, Kpadjai, Gyeakope, Tetekura, and Vuvukope, among others.
Speaking to members of the Parliamentary Press Corps, Majority Leader and MP for Suame, Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, expressed sympathy to affected victims and emphasized the urgency of addressing the crisis.
“In moments like this we’re reminded of our responsibility as representatives of the people. We will advocate that adequate resources be provided by the state to be be a relief to the affected persons”.
He stated that as representatives of the people, they plan to convene with the Rt. Hon. Speaker to discuss the way forward as a united house. However, they believe it is crucial for the VRA to brief Parliament and provide answers to pressing questions.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu explained that this year’s heavy rainfall promised a bounteous harvest for the country. However, the unfortunate overflow of farm lands due to massive rainfall and the spillage of the Bagri Dam have disrupted these hopes.
He expressed concern that this situation could exacerbate food scarcity in the country, but they hope it won’t lead to a sharp increase in food prices, which are already at high levels of inflation.
He revealed that the VRA, out of fear of the dam breaching, initiated the controlled spillage of the dam.
However, due to the uncontrolled nature of the spillage resulting from heavy rainfall, communities downstream of the dam that were already dealing with flooding faced even more hardships. People have lost their homes, vehicles, livestock, and, tragically, even their lives, along with their crops.
Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu noted that multiple appeals have been made for assistance, but despite these efforts, the Majority Caucus in Parliament insists that the VRA must brief the house on the circumstances leading to the dam spillage.
“It is unacceptable that an activity as potentially destructive as the dam spillage was done without a well thought through security and safety preparedness plan. Parliament will take the necessary action to inquire into the matter and make recommendations for the protection of property and lives living along the Volta River and lake and other settlements along river banks,” he assured.
He believes that this briefing will offer detailed information on the current situation and chart a path forward to prevent such catastrophic incidents from happening in the future..