Former President John Dramani Mahama has joined the chorus of voices calling on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to declare a state of emergency in the areas affected by the flooding caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
Mr. Mahama emphasized that the scale and impact of the flooding in communities along the Volta River exceed the capacity of the nation’s struggling economy.
He made a recommendation on his Facebook page, stating, “I recommend to the Government to declare a State of Emergency in the affected areas and request relief assistance from our bilateral and multilateral partners immediately.”
Similar sentiments have been expressed by other prominent figures. Former Health Minister, Alex Segbefia, also called for the declaration of a state of emergency in the affected areas. He stressed that such a declaration would not cause any disturbances.
“I don’t think there is any harm in declaring a state of emergency,” he noted during an interview with journalists in Accra, where he also urged the government to prepare for a potential health emergency.
The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has thrown its support behind the calls for a state of emergency declaration. GNAT argues that such a declaration would be crucial for ensuring public safety and maintaining law and order in the affected regions.
The flood’s impact has been devastating, particularly for communities like Mepe and Battor in the North Tongu Constituency. Water released from the Akosombo Dam is expected to continue until the excess inflows in the lake recede, as explained by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The flooding has led to the displacement of at least 26,000 people in the lower Volta Basin, affecting communities such as Battor, Sogakope, Mepe, and several island communities in the Volta Region. The situation has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, necessitating urgent relief efforts.
As calls for a state of emergency grow louder, the government faces the challenge of responding effectively to this dire situation while seeking support from international partners to alleviate the suffering of the affected population.
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