Sanitation Minister Clarifies Remarks On Akosombo Dam Spillage Victims

Sanitation Minister Freda Prempeh in a recent interview with Republic FM, clarified her earlier statements regarding the Akosombo Dam spillage and its impact on residents who according to her ‘refused’ to evacuate prior to the spillage.

Addressing the misunderstanding, the minister stated, “I was just emphasising the fact that when we educate people to move from a place, it should be responded to in obedience, so that when a disaster occurs, we can all protect ourselves. Everyone has misunderstood me. They are saying the honourable minister said when we told them to move, they said they wouldn’t, and now they are covered with water. I did not say that.”

Minister Freda Prempeh went on to emphasize that she was highlighting the importance of the education and dissemination exercise conducted by the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). She expressed sympathy and empathy for those affected by the dam spillage and emphasized the need for solidarity during this challenging time.

“I want to put on record, that I was emphasising on education and dissemination exercise that was done by the VRA and NADMO. So please people should not misunderstand me. I am one of you, I am a journalist and I know how to communicate, I will not say anything at this time when others are suffering because they have lost properties and livelihoods, this is the time for all of us to sympathise and empathise with them. And I do sympathise and empathise with them,” she mentioned.

 

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The recent Akosombo Dam spillage has had a devastating impact, displacing over 20,000 people in the Volta and Greater Accra regions. Minister Freda Prempeh had previously mentioned the refusal of some residents to evacuate as a factor contributing to the extent of the damage.

During a forum organized by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), the minister reiterated the importance of heeding evacuation advice to prevent such disasters in the future. She also highlighted the significant financial burden on the government to provide relief to the victims and ensure the water supply’s safety.

“We don’t want what has happened in Akosombo to happen to us in Accra. The Akosombo spillage even though VRA, NADMO, the Water Resources Commission came together to educate the people in the community, did simulation exercises with them even at Mepe, yet they refused to leave; they didn’t want to be evacuated.

“They stayed on till the end when we started spilling;. Unfortunately, look at what is happening, and the government has to spend millions of money on relief items, and education. The water in the whole area is contaminated and the Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to spend millions of money to treat the water before we can pass it through our pipes.

“So a stitch in time saves nine. Sometimes it’s difficult to accept the situation, but we will plead with all of you to accept it as it is. Water is life and is essential to everything”.

These comments had sparked controversy, leading to several calls for her to retract her statements and apologize. The situation remains sensitive, with residents of the affected communities seeking support and understanding during this challenging period.

 

 

 

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