OccupyGhana, a civic advocacy group, has called for the establishment of a Constitutional Commission of Inquiry to investigate the recent Akosombo Dam water spillage and its associated matters.
The group is urging the President or Parliament, through a resolution, to take immediate steps to form the Commission, emphasizing that the situation warrants an in-depth examination.
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In a statement issued on Friday, OccupyGhana stated, “OccupyGhana firmly believes that the totality of these matters rises to meet the constitutional standard of a ‘matter of public interest [and importance]' that is sufficiently grave to warrant establishing a Commission of Inquiry, as provided for under Chapter 23 of the Constitution.”
The group stressed the importance of providing Ghanaians with detailed information about the exact causes of the catastrophe and whether it could have been prevented. If prevention was possible, OccupyGhana calls for accountability measures, including the potential removal of individuals from their positions.
Furthermore, if indications of criminal acts or negligence emerge, the group advocates for independent police investigations that should lead to prosecutions. OccupyGhana underlined that understanding the foreseeability of such events is essential to preventing future disasters.
The group also raised concerns about construction along waterways and riverbanks in catchment areas, calling for immediate attention to how these settlements are developed. It stressed that planning and construction methods must adapt to reduce the risk of devastating floods.
OccupyGhana further highlighted the potential of managing floodwater as a valuable resource for clean drinking water and irrigation if handled correctly.
The group concluded its statement by expressing gratitude to those who had mobilized emergency relief support for the displaced communities affected by the Akosombo Dam water spillage.
