Ghana, a nation known for its richness in natural resources and cultural heritage, has also been the hub of several political controversies over the years. The latest of this string of controversies is the neglect shown by the Nana Akuffo Addo and Bawumia government towards the Volta Region with regards to the flood induced by the Volta River Authority (VRA). This, many argue, is a blatant indicator that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government has turned a blind eye to the suffering of Ghanaians.
Floods instigated by the operation of the Akosombo Dam, managed by the Volta River Authority, are usually a predictable annual occurrence. When it gets to the point of spillage, nearby communities are thrown into disarray as life as they know it becomes upturned. With this knowledge, it is alarming that the government, under the leadership of Nana Akuffo Addo and Bawumia, has seemed to abandon the victims of the VRA induced floods to their fate.
An undeniable reality in the Volta Region is that people’s homes have been destroyed, farms have been washed away, and countless lives have been displaced; yet the response by the NPP government has been less than satisfactory. While government can’t control mother nature, a defined and proactive management strategy highlighting mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery, could lessen the impact of the floods on these vulnerable communities. The lack of such demonstrates an alarming disregard for the welfare of the people by the Akuffo-Addo and Bawumia led government.
Moreover, the economy of Ghana largely thrives on agriculture. It is therefore disheartening that the Akuffo-Addo and Bawumia led administration has not taken adequate steps to forestall the destructive toll these annual floods take on the agricultural activities predominantly carried out in the Volta Region. Instead, their actions are accelerating this region’s descent into ruin, eventually taking a toll on the nation’s economy.
In addition to the economic implications on the nation, the psychological impact of the VRA induced flood on the people of the Volta Region is another area ignored by the government. People lose their lives, livelihoods, and homes to the floods. Children are left orphaned and traumatized. These issues, if not addressed by government intervention and adequate social protections, could exacerbate the suffering these people are already experiencing.
However, it’s worth noting an objective truth; providing relief and implementing infrastructural and agricultural solutions to mitigate the suffering caused by annual flooding is a complex task. It requires a level of commitment and resource allocation. Despite this, it is a responsibility the government owes to the people; a responsibility it seems, that the Akuffo-Addo and Bawumia government has sadly shirked.
The neglect of the people in the Volta Region in their time of desolation by the Akuffo-Addo and Bawumia government is a clear indication that the NPP government does not care about the suffering of Ghanaians. The government’s primary function is to provide for, protect, and plane a progressive and sustainable path for its citizenry. Still, what we see is the exhibition of an indifferent attitude towards the plight of the people they are entrusted to govern.
The leadership quality of any government is best demonstrated by its response to the suffering of its citizenry and their ability to not only provide short-term relief but also proactive measures to prevent and/or manage future occurrences. The Akuffo-Addo and Bawumia government, as we have seen with their response to the VRA induced floods, have failed in this regards. Ghana deserves better, the people of the Volta region deserves better. A government that is for the people must put their welfare at the forefront of their actions and decisions.
Haruna Zinentah
Diengbaala House
Samatigu – Sankana
NDK
Email: visionharuna@gmail.com
THANK YOU for constantly reading our stories. Kindly like, comment and SHARE stories on all social media platforms for more entertaining updates!
TO GET YOUR EXCLUSIVE INFO PUBLISHED ONLINE?
Call or WhatsApp our Editor on +233208291107/0546509004 for Your Massive promo. You can equally email your stories or articles to info@xpressghonline.com or fuzzygh2016@gmail.com and we’ll surely put them online at www.xpressghonline.com