GhArticles.com Every News in Detail
In the wake of the Akosombo Dam spillage, the Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Freda Prempeh, has pointed to the refusal of residents living along the dam as a key factor contributing to the extensive damage caused by the spillage.
The devastating spillage has resulted in the displacement of more than 20,000 individuals in the Volta and Greater Accra regions. Minister Prempeh, while expressing sympathy for the affected residents, stressed the substantial financial burden placed on the government to provide relief to the victims.
During a forum organized by the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) and its customers in Accra, Freda Prempeh stated, “Despite collaborative efforts by the Volta River Authority, National Disaster Management Organization, and the Water Resources Commission to educate the community’s residents and conduct simulation exercises, they adamantly refused to evacuate. They chose to remain in their homes until the spillage began.”
“Regrettably, we are now witnessing the dire consequences, and the government is expending millions on relief efforts and education. The entire area’s water has been contaminated, requiring substantial investments from the Ghana Water Company and the Water Resources Commission to ensure the water’s safety before distribution through our pipelines.”
She concluded by emphasizing the importance of timely actions, stating, “A proactive approach is invaluable. While it might be challenging to accept the situation, we implore everyone to acknowledge the reality. Water is life, and it is indispensable in every aspect of our lives.”
