The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has stated that the Volta River Authority (VRA) will have embarked on the Akosombo Dam Spillage without cabinet approval.

Speaking on Starr Chat with Bola Ray Thursday the North Tongu lawmaker stated that the Akosombo Dam Spillage has national implications and will have had presidential approval.  

“The opening of the flood gates, you know, has national security implications. VRA will not take this decision without the cabinet, they need a presidential approval, and the cabinet must approve it. It has national security considerations. It also has implications for food security.

“That enclave is the food bucket of our country, our rice, our maize, our mangos, pepper, onions, and vegetables, name them all from that enclave,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

According to him, the comments by the Minister of Energy that they asked the people to move was false.

“What you do as responsible leaders is that you prepare a proper safe-haven not these classrooms they are calling safe-havens. Then you give the people notice, you must even do force evacuation.

Where you ensure that everybody has relocated to where you have prepared. A safe place where you have prepared you urge them to take their valuables, what matters most then they relocate to that prepared place. That is what happens everywhere,” Mr. Ablakwa added.  

Background

The Akosombo Dam Spillage began on September 15, 2023, causing significant damage to several communities along the Volta River. Fish farming on the river which is a source of livelihood for residents was destroyed incurring huge investment losses.

Experts are warning that due to climate change, over 26,000 residents affected by the Spillage should avoid reoccupying these vulnerable areas.

However, the affected residents in Asuogyaman District are urging the VRA and the government to provide them with lands on higher ground for resettlement.

Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM