Energy Minister visits communities affected by Akosombo Dam spillage

Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh on Tuesday, 7th November, 2023, undertook a working visit to areas affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

He was accompanied by a deputy minister of Energy, Herbert Krapa , and officials of the Volta River Authority (VRA) led by the CEO, Antwi Darkwah, and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) led by the Director General, Eric Nana Agyemang Prempeh.

A presentation of relief items was done by the minister as part of measures to ameliorate the challenges faced by flood victims. The delegation also received a presentation of relief items from the Methodist Church of Ghana.

Government support
Addressing a gathering of stakeholders at the NADMO Emergency Operations Centre at the North Tongu District Assembly in Battor, the Minister said he joined the team to further commiserate with the people and to reiterate government’s continued support for the affected communities. “We are working together with all stakeholders to support you, “ he said.

Satisfaction
The Chief of Mepe Mankralo, Hevi Borbodzi expressed his satisfaction with the efforts by government so far at ameliorating the plight of the people. “This is not a partisan matter; it is about the future of our country. It is just unfortunate that we have to go through these painful circumstances because of this necessary spillage, but as I said it is also not a platform for politicking. We are grateful to government for the interventions so far, “ he said

The team also visited the Central Tongu District Assembly in Adidome where the District Chief Executive, Thomas Moore Zonyrah expressed satisfaction at the Minister’s visit to the area.

Donation
The Minister’s delegation donated 60 bags of Gari, 1200 bags of rice, 260 cartons of mackerel and 56 cartons of oils. Other items were 60 bags of beans, 60 boxes of ekojuice and 60 Boxes of biscuits, 10 bags of Gari and 25 boxes of solar lamps with panels.

At the Adidome Farm Institute which is serving as the safe haven for the affected people, Dr Opoku Prempeh reiterated government’s quest through the inter-ministerial committee to ensure that, they are given the needed reprieve.

Togbe Kofi Torsu, Mankralo of Bakpa also expressed his appreciation to the Minister and the officials for the continued support.

Getting to the bottom
Speaking to the Press after the engagements, the Minister reiterated his Ministry’s readiness to cooperate with the VRA and all stakeholders in order to get to the bottom of the matter.

The Minister is expected to appear before Parliament with officials of the VRA on today November 8, 2023 to provide the house with an update on the interventions so far on the dam spillage so far.