Mahama Ayariga, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Bawku Central, expressed disappointment with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's failure to address the Akosombo Dam spillage during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA).
Ayariga emphasized the significance of the Akosombo Dam spillage as a major incident affecting communities and expected the President to acknowledge the plight of those affected. He criticized the President for overlooking this issue in his SONA, expressing disappointment and concern for the welfare of affected citizens.
The controlled spill from the Akosombo and Kpong dams, initiated by the Volta River Authority on September 15, 2023, aimed to prevent overtopping and protect the dam's integrity amid rising water levels caused by heavy rainfall. However, the situation escalated, with water levels surpassing the maximum operating level by the beginning of October. The subsequent increase in the spill rate led to heightened flooding in various districts, including North, South, and Central Tongu, as well as the Ada East District.
Despite the severity of the spillage and its impact on communities, Ayariga noted the absence of any mention of the issue in the President's SONA delivered to Parliament. This omission raised concerns about the government's responsiveness to environmental challenges and its commitment to addressing the needs of affected populations.
Article 67 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana mandates the President to deliver a message on the State of the Nation to Parliament at the start of each session, underscoring the importance of the SONA as a platform for reporting on the country's status and outlining the government's agenda.
Ayariga's remarks highlight the need for government accountability and proactive measures to address environmental disasters and support affected communities. The incident underscores the importance of prioritizing the welfare of citizens and ensuring effective communication on critical issues during national addresses.