Volta Regional Minister stopped us from presenting a petition to Akufo-Addo – Mepe queen mother

Mamagah Adzo Tsreku, the Queen Mother of Mepe, has claimed that Volta Regional Minister Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa denied them the opportunity to file a petition to President Akufo-Addo when he visited the area to assess the situation following the Akosombo Dam leak.

Mamagah Adzo Tsreku, the Queen Mother of Mepe, has claimed that Volta Regional Minister Dr. Archibald Yao Letsa denied them the opportunity to file a petition to President Akufo-Addo when he visited the area to assess the situation following the Akosombo Dam leak.

But, to their astonishment, the Regional Minister accepted the petition and stated that he will give it to the President on their behalf, but she is unavailable.

On Monday, Mamagah Adzo Tsreku spoke with Akua Boakyewaa Yiadom on Adom FM Burning Issues.

“The situation is very terrible, but people come on TV and radio to paint the picture that all is well when it is not. The Regional Minister told us the content of the petition was harsh so he took it and said he would present it himself,” Mamagah stated.

She continued, “The traditional authority is aware of the presence of NADMO in the town and the relief items they are distributing among affected persons, but they have refused to involve the traditional leaders who could help salvage the situation. This and many more were contained in our petition, but we did not get the chance to present it to the President”.

She went on to say that because of the foul odor caused by the flood, the district health directorate recommended them to put pressure on the government for a quick evacuation.

The Volta River Authority began a controlled spill from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023.

This occurred owing to severe rainfall in the Volta River watershed, which caused the water level at Akosombo Dam to increase quickly.

The leakage has become required to keep the dam from overtopping and from collapsing.

VRA increased the spillage rate on October 9, 2023 in response to heavy rainfall and rising water levels.

Flooding occurred in several settlements in the North, South, and Central Tongu Districts, as well as the Ada East District.

VRA, NaDMO, and the Ghana Armed Forces are still rescuing victims and transporting them to safe havens.

As of October 16, 2023, around 26,000 people have been affected in nine districts and three regions, with 8,000 persons evacuated to safety.