Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament (MP) for North Tongu, in a significant move to provide support for victims of the Akosombo dam spillage, has established a GH¢100,000 emergency rent fund.
This fund is aimed at providing immediate relief to the thousands of residents affected by the catastrophic flooding caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, which occurred in October 2023.
The dams spillage, which displaced over 12,000 people from their homes, left many communities, particularly in the Lower Volta basin, devastated.
Residents in North Tongu and neighbouring areas have been grappling with the dire effects of the disaster, including the destruction of homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure.
Many victims have been forced to live in temporary shelters, including tents, while awaiting government support and a long-term solution to their displacement.
Ablakwa, who has been a vocal advocate for the rights and welfare of his constituents, announced the establishment of the emergency rent fund shortly after filing his nomination to contest in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
During his address, the MP made it clear that one of his top priorities in his next term will be to ensure the complete resettlement and compensation of all victims affected by the dam spillage.
Speaking passionately about the plight of the victims, Ablakwa said the fund will prioritise nursing mothers.
“For my next term, my priority will be the total resettlement and total compensation of all victims of the VRA spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams. As we speak, 1,360 of our fellow constituents, my beloved constituents, remain in tents and that is unacceptable. That is inhumane.
“That cannot be allowed and so in my next term, I am going to dedicate all efforts towards the full and total comprehensive resettlement and compensation of all victims, the over 12,000 victims of the VRA spillage.
“I am putting aside GH¢100,000 as emergency rent support for our brothers and sisters who are still in the tents, but we are prioritizing the women, particularly nursing mothers,” he stated.
