In the wake of allegations made on a live TV3 program, the Deputy Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asuogyaman, Mr. Felix Bonney, has issued a statement addressing the ongoing controversy regarding the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
During the program, Mr. Pius Enam Hadzide, CEO of National Youth Authority seeking to contest as parliamentary candidate for NPP in Asuogyaman in 2024 parliamentary election, made a surprising claim.
He alleged that the Volta River Authority (VRA) had organized Simulation and Sensitization Exercises in Asuogyaman, to which the Member of Parliament (MP) for Asuogyaman, Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, was purportedly invited but failed to attend.
These allegations were viewed by many as an attempt to assign blame for the suffering experienced by citizens along the Volta River due to the dam spillage.
Mr. Felix Bonney has categorically refuted these allegations, stating that Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko had never received any invitation for a Simulation and Sensitization exercise from VRA, NADMO, or any other institution. He further asserted that no other Members of Parliament from affected constituencies had received such invitations, a point that underscored the baselessness of the claim.
In the statement, Mr. Bonney criticized Mr. Hadzide’s allegations, characterizing them as frivolous and callous. He emphasized that the primary focus should be on providing support to the vulnerable people affected by the spillage rather than making baseless accusations.
“This allegation by Pius Enam Hadzide at the time our people are suffering is frivolous and borne out of callousness on his part and on the part of the government, who have consistently showed that, they have no regard for the people whose sacrifices in the past and even today gave Ghana the energy we have enjoyed all these years”.
“It must be said however, that, at this point, where people’s lives, livelihood and huge investments are threatened, the best we should be doing is to direct our efforts towards relieving the plight of the people who have become suddenly vulnerable through no fault of theirs”.
Mr. Bonney highlighted the proactive efforts of Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko, who has been visiting affected areas within his constituency and providing financial and relief support to the victims. The statement pointed out that besides data collection efforts, there has been a lack of tangible action by the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the government in alleviating the suffering in Asuogyaman.
However, the Member of Parliament of Asuogyaman; Hon. Thomas Ampem have constantly visited the affected areas within the Constituency and have been supporting them both financially and with relief items
“The most recent of these supports was on Saturday 21st October, 2023 when the Honorable MP together with the Chairman of the NDC, Hon. Johnson Asiedu Nketia visited three of the most affected communities and donated relief items and cash to the victims. Rather unfortunately, apart from going round in the name of collecting data, the people are yet to see any tangible action taken by NADMO and Government of which Pius is part, in alleviating the suffering of the people in Asuogyaman”
In conclusion, Mr. Bonney urged individuals with opportunities like those presented on national television appearances to use their platforms for the purpose of soliciting support from the government and other organizations for the affected people. He emphasized the importance of constructive actions and support for those who have been adversely impacted by the ongoing dam spillage.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
