Akufo-Addo’s silence on Akosombo Dam flood victims in SONA 2024 unfortunate – NDC
The Volta Region’s National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed disappointment over President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s omission of the dire plight of the Akosombo Dam Spillage victims in his 2024 State of the Nation’s Address.
The party described as unfortunate, the government’s failure to mention any relief programme tailored to lessen the difficulties that have plagued thousands of residents along Lower Volta due to the Volta River Authority-induced floods in 2023.
The recent flood disaster, intensified by spillages from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, caused severe damage to communities in the Volta and other regions, displacing numerous families and destroying livelihoods.
Additionally, the tidal waves’ onslaught in the southern municipalities of Anlo, Keta, and Ketu South has increased the people’s suffering, leaving them vulnerable and in urgent need of aid.
In a statement released on February 29, the NDC said “It is deeply regrettable that amidst these precarious challenges, the President chose not to acknowledge or offer solutions to alleviate the suffering of our fellow citizens.
“The absence of any mention of relief efforts or plans to mitigate the effects of the disaster in the 31-page SONA is a glaring oversight that reflects a deliberate lack of empathy and commitment to the well-being of these countrymen.
“What is equally displeasing is the President’s mention of a non-existent project like the Keta Fish Landing Site on page 22 of his presentation. We want to once again put on record that there is no such project in Keta or any other place in the Volta Region. The President should learn to insulate himself from always being misled by doing due diligence in getting accurate information on such crucial matters.”
The party urged President Akufo-Addo to promptly address the issue and prioritize the needs of those affected by the flood disaster and tidal waves.
“In fulfilling the constitutional obligation to address the nation, the President must demonstrate leadership by acknowledging and responding to the pressing concerns of all citizens, irrespective of tribe, location or voting pattern,” it added.
