The Member of Parliament for Asuogyaman, Thomas Ampem Nyarko, has emphasized the vital need for increased cooperation between the Volta River Authority (VRA) and Members of Parliament (MPs) in the regions surrounding the Volta River.
He voiced his concern that VRA has historically excluded MPs from their catchment areas in important decisions, including matters such as the spilling of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
This he says does not enhance inclusive and participatory decision in activities of VRA in their operational areas.
Many communities and institutions have blamed VRA for not deepening community engagement ahead of the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams hence the floods took my people by surprise.
Thomas Ampem Nyarko took the opportunity to debunk falsehood peddled by Pius Enam Hadzide that ,he(the MP) failed to attend invitation for VRA simulation exercise.
According to the MP, VRA never invited him to any such exercise before the spilling of the dams.
These concerns were brought to light as Asuogyaman Company Limited and Vodafone extended a helping hand to the victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage in the Asuogyaman District.
Asuogyaman Company Limited generously donated essential items valued at GH₵100,000, including rice, tomato sauce, sardines, oil, mackerel, and bottled water, to assist the flood victims. Additionally, the Vodafone Ghana Foundation contributed a variety of supplies, including cartons of Milo, water, rice, sanitary pads, tents, and more.
These donations provided critical support to affected communities, including Abume, Kokontekpedzi, Labolabo, Small London, Kudikope, Dzidzorkope, and other areas profoundly impacted by the Akosombo Dam spill.
The presentations of these donations were held in the presence of esteemed opinion leaders and Assembly Members from these communities, who came to witness this compassionate act of support and to receive their share of the essential supplies.
Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko expressed profound gratitude to Asuogyaman Company Limited and Vodafone Ghana for their swift response to the plight of the affected people. The Member of Parliament also appealed to other companies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to consider offering assistance to his constituents.
Furthermore, he emphasized that while other constituencies are also grappling with the severe consequences of the floods, Asuogyaman stands as the point of origin for the inundation, which has resulted in substantial damage to numerous investments, including over 50 collapsed houses and the displacement of approximately 300 people.
Unfortunately, apart from Former President Mahama, who donated some relief items to the victims in Asuogyaman, no other organizations have provided support, except for Asuogyaman Company Limited and Vodafone.
In response, the representative of Asuogyaman Company Limited, Abuapanyin Ansah Kyei, conveyed the company’s commitment to the community, assuring that further donations would continue to be extended.
He also made it clear that their doors would always be open to support the people during these challenging times.
Some of the victims called on VRA to help relocate them to higher grounds.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
