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During a recent interview with Republic FM, the Sanitation Minister Freda Prempeh addressed her prior comments concerning the Akosombo Dam spillage and its repercussions for those who declined to evacuate before it occurred.
The minister clarified the misunderstanding and stated, “What I was trying to emphasize is that when instructions are given to relocate, it should be followed in order to ensure we can protect ourselves in case of a disaster. Unfortunately, people have misinterpreted me. There is a misconception that I claimed that when the people were asked to move, they refused and now are submerged in water. That is not what I said.”
Freda Prempeh, the Minister, expressed the significance of the educational and communication activities that were done by the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). She showed sympathy for the individuals affected by the dam outpouring and highlighted the need for togetherness during this difficult period.
She wanted to make it known that she was focusing on the educational and dissemination efforts of the VRA and NADMO, and she urged people not to misconstrue her words. She herself is a journalist and knows how to communicate, so she would not say anything inappropriate while others were suffering from the losses of their properties and livelihoods. She expressed her sympathy and empathy for them at this difficult time.
The Akosombo Dam spillage has had a grievous effect, having caused the displacement of more than 20,000 individuals from the Volta and Greater Accra areas. Minister Freda Prempeh had previously brought up the fact that some inhabitants had refused to move out, which augmented the severity of the damage.
Also Read: Freda Prempeh Blames Akosombo Dam Victims for Disaster, Citing Failure to Heed Evacuation Warnings
At a gathering hosted by the Ghana Water Company Limited, the minister expressed the necessity of following evacuation regulations in order to prevent future catastrophes. She additionally highlighted the large financial expenditure the government must make in order to give aid to the people affected and ensure the water supply is safe.
The people of Accra hope to avoid a similar event to the one that took place in Akosombo. Even though the Volta River Authority, the National Disaster Management Organisation, and the Water Resources Commission came together to educate the populace in the Akosombo area, ran drills with them at Mepe, the people still would not evacuate.
We kept going until we began to leak;. Unfortunately, when we look at what is occurring, the government needs to pay out millions in aid and schooling. All of the water in the vicinity has been polluted and the Ghana Water Company and Water Resources Commission will have to invest heavily in treating the water before it can be run through the pipes.
It is often difficult to come to terms with a particular state of affairs, however, we implore everyone to recognize it as is. The old adage, “a stitch in time saves nine,” rings true here. Additionally, water is fundamental to all life and is something that is not to be taken for granted.
Her remarks had drawn considerable criticism, with numerous requests for her to take back her words and express her regret. The issue remains delicate, as those in the impacted neighborhoods look for assistance and empathy in the midst of this difficult time.
