The Opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asuogyaman Constituency in Eastern region has described as blatant falsehood being peddled around by CEO of National Youth Authority, Pius Enam Hadzide, also aspiring to be parliamentary candidate for the ruling New Patriotic Party in the Constituency.
Mr. Hadzide alleged that Mr. Thomas Ampem Nyarko declined an invitation by Volta River Authority (VRA) to participate in a simulation exercise on Akosombo Dam Spillage.
Mr. Pius Enam Hadzide made this assertion on Accra based television TV3 during discussions on the flood situation.
He alleged further that the 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.
This allegation has been described by the NDC as another attempt to assign blame for the suffering experienced by citizens along the Volta River due to the dam spillage.
Deputy Communication Officer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in Asuogyaman, Mr. Felix Bonney,in a statement issued categorically refute these allegations, stating that Hon. Thomas Ampem Nyarko 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.
The statement criticized Mr. Hadzide’s allegations, characterizing them as frivolous and callous.
“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”.
The statement emphasized that the primary focus should be on providing support to the vulnerable people affected by the spillage rather than making baseless accusations.
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 of victims 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 a part, in alleviating the suffering of the people in Asuogyaman.”
He emphasized the importance of constructive actions and support for those who have been adversely impacted by the ongoing dam spillage.
In conclusion, Mr. Bonney urged Pius Enam Hadzide to rather use his energy on National Television to solicit support from the government and other organizations for the affected communities in the Constituency if he cares about the plight of the people.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
