Editorial
Let’s all support victims of Akosombo and Kpong floods
The recent spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams resulted in the displacement of thousands of people living along the lower Volta River basin, making life extremely difficult for the victims.
According to reports, over 26,000 residents have been impacted, and more than 8,000 have been rescued.
In roughly nine different district assemblies in the Volta and Eastern Regions, including the North, Central, and South Tongu District assembly, Shai Osudoku, and Ada, among others, the spillage has forced the relocation of various settlements.
Homes have been submerged because of the spillage, leaving the residents homeless. Businesses like fishing have also been impacted.
People have also suffered physical harm. Schools have been closed indefinitely. Houses have collapsed, and property worth millions of Cedis has been destroyed.
The evacuated victims are now being housed in shelters and schools, while some are staying with friends and relatives.
The situation is critical, and immediate action is required to improve it and help the afflicted residents.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) claims that the spillage began as a result of a steady upstream rise in water levels brought on by prolonged rains, and that the measure was taken to safeguard the dam and avert potential calamities.
According to VRA, the goal is to preserve the dam’s integrity when the water input is excessive. Unfortunately, the spillage’s repercussions are a regrettable situation, but they are necessary to save the dam.
The Spectator is urging individuals, corporate entities, and religious organisations, among others, to ease the suffering of the affected residents by providing them with comforting supplies such as food, water, mattresses, toiletries, detergents, sanitary towels, medical supplies, blankets, and mosquito nets while they recover from their shock.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) appears to be overburdened with the number of victims; as a result, despite the intervention, it lacks the resources to adequately carry out its purpose.
The numbers are overwhelming and as a result, everyone must come on board as soon as possible to aid the victims out of their affliction.
There are reports that more neighbourhoods will be impacted because the spillage is still ongoing and VRA is unsure of when the water will start to recede,
The Spectator applauds the government representatives and other individuals who have visited the victims to express their sympathies and provide them with help in various ways, but more has to be done to support their efforts.
Additionally, we beg pharmaceutical firms and medical professionals to step up their efforts immediately to help prevent the outbreak of cholera and other water-borne illnesses.
Because of the crowding and sanitation issues, nearby healthcare facilities must also be prepared in case a disease outbreak occurs.
In the future, the flooding catastrophe should serve as a reminder for the government to fully fund NADMO and make investments in early warning systems to avoid similar regrettable circumstances.
The government must also take the necessary steps to prepare for future compensation for the affected residents.
Let us all make a concerted effort to support victims of the Akosombo and Kpong floods.
Dear Editor,
It is often said that a healthy nation is a wealthy nation. However, this saying becomes worrying when the health of citizens is threatened by the conditions under which the food they consume daily is sold.
In Ghana, the conditions under which food is sold is quite disturbing. Over the years, I have observed that the environments where food is prepared and sold are often unhygienic.
In many cases, containers holding food such as rice and waakye are left uncovered or not properly covered, exposing them to contamination.
While many Ghanaians paid little attention in the past to the conditions under which food was sold, the narrative seems to be changing in recent years.
I recall an incident during my days in Senior High School (S.H.S.) when my friends and I went out to buy food. At one location, some of us chose not to buy because we assumed the food would be expensive due to how neat the place looked.
Unfortunately, we ended up purchasing food from a different place that was somewhat unhygienic. We overlooked the poor conditions because we believed the quantity offered was better than at the cleaner location.
However, I am certain that my friends and I would not repeat such a mistake today, as we now understand the health implications of that decision.
While public education is important in addressing this issue, I believe it is time for regulatory and law enforcement agencies, such as the Food and Drug Authority (FDA), to crack the whip on food sellers and vendors who operate in unhygienic environments and conditions.
As citizens, we must also be mindful of where we buy our food to protect ourselves and our families from diseases and illnesses. We should choose ‘quality’ over ‘quantity’ and prioritize our health.
From Syram
Oyarifa
Dear Editor,
I write to express concern and call for improved security measures before and after every football match.
The recent robbery attack that led to the tragic death of a player, on their return from a Match day 29 game against Samartex, is both shocking and heartbreaking.
The incident, which reportedly occurred around 10:30 p.m., highlights the growing risks faced by players and team officials while traveling.
Football is meant to unite and entertain, not to expose lives to danger. It is therefore imperative that authorities, the Ghana Football Association, and security agencies put in place adequate protection for teams, especially during late-night travels.
I strongly urge all stakeholders to treat this matter with urgency to prevent such unfortunate incidents from recurring.
From Eugene Ampiaw
Accra
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