The 2024 budget presented by the Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta in Parliament on Wednesday November 15,2023 addressed the devastating impact of the Akosombo Dam spillage caused by excessive rainfall in recent months.
The spillage led to controlled flooding of downstream communities in parts of the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra regions, impacting lives and infrastructure.
To mitigate the effects of this environmental crisis, the Finance Minister said government has taken swift action through agencies like the Volta River Authority (VRA), the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO), and a 13-member high-level inter-ministerial committee.
The Finance Minister expressed empathy after visiting victims in Mepe, highlighting the government’s commitment to providing support.
He said the relief efforts include essential items such as food, beverages, mattresses, mosquito nets, clothing, and more. The Finance Minister praised the collaborative efforts of various ministries, emphasizing the government’s determination to stand by affected communities.
As part of the relief initiative, the Finance minister said government has budgeted a substantial amount of GH¢220 million.
This fund is designated to support communities affected by the Akosombo spillage and floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions.
“Mr. Speaker, Government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage
as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions.For the restoration phase, Government through the Ministry of Agriculture will
allocate additional resources to support the restoration of livelihoods.In addition, the Ministry of Finance, after the visit was quickened to respond.
We have requested funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the resettlement of the victims, restoration of
livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities “
He said the Ministry of Agriculture will allocate additional resources to support the restoration of livelihoods during the restoration phase.
Moreover, the Ministry of Finance has expedited efforts to secure funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window. This funding will play a crucial role in the resettlement of victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation for affected individuals, and the reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected areas.
Recognizing the long-term impact of climate change, the Ministry of Finance has also applied to the Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund.
Launched during COP 27 in Sham El-Sheikh, this initiative aims to provide financial resources for communities both upstream and downstream of the Akosombo Dam.
He added “Mr. Speaker, we recognise the place of climate policy and financing to help
address the long-term effects of climate change on victims of drought, flooding,
and other adverse weather events. Accordingly, the Ministry has applied to the
Global Shield Against Climate Risk Fund, an initiative launched by President
Nana Akufo-Addo and Chancellor Olaf Scholz during the COP 27 in Sham ElSheikh, to access some financial resources to support communities upstream “
Minister Ken Ofori-Atta expressed gratitude on behalf of President Akufo-Addo and the entire government to groups and individuals who have shown empathy and support for the affected families.
He highlighted the fortunate aspect that, despite the devastating spillage, no lives have been lost, underscoring the importance of continuous gratitude.
This comprehensive government response demonstrates a commitment to addressing the immediate needs of affected communities and implementing strategies for long-term recovery in the wake of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
