Akosombo dam spillage: Stop politicising crisis – Rev. Opuni-Frimpong

A former General Secretary of the Christian Council of Ghana, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong has implored political parties to desist from politicizing the plight of persons affected by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

Over 26,000 people have been affected by the spillage of the dam, which began on September 15, 2023.

Thousands of people have been relocated since the waters breached affected communities.

Speaking in an interview, Rev. Dr. Kwabena Opuni-Frimpong called on all Ghanaians to support the affected residents and entreated politicians to eschew politicizing the plight of the affected victims.

“Something must quickly be done. Our friends in parts of the Volta and Oti Regions are going through a crisis. We are one nation. We plead with our politicians not to politicize what people are going through. People need help. This is a genuine need. I know some of you have started mobilizing for people to contribute. Any Ghanaian who can be of help must be there. My own church, the Presbyterian Church of Ghana is moving to help. Let’s all move to help, so our needy friends know that they are loved, they belong and Ghana is a nation that cares.”

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) expressed its disappointment with President Akufo-Addo’s speech when he visited the Volta Region to assess and commiserate with people affected by floods.

The President’s remarks during his visit have drawn criticism from some Ghanaians, especially the NDC which describes them as insensitive in the wake of devastating floods that have affected the area.

The President said, “I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. Because, if it is a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn’t vote for me, then I shouldn’t be here because you don’t vote for me. But that is not my concern. And, in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party.”

However, the government’s communicators have defended the president’s comments explaining that Akufo-Addo was only responding to NDC’s assertion that the NPP government doesn’t care about the people of the Volta region with the government’s nonchalant behavior toward the plight of the affected victims in the spillage.

“Persons consulted before the spillage must be made to answer for the extent of the devastation,” Rev. Dr. Opuni Frimpong said on Citi TV monitored on October 19.