The Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, has disclosed that the government has released GH¢40 million as part of relief efforts to facilitate the restoration of victims affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
According to her, the government is committed to releasing additional funding as the various sectors carryout further needs assessment of the affected communities.
“I assure you, government is committed to improving social and economic conditions of all affected persons and communities” she stated
Mrs. Osei Opare, further explained that as announced by the Finance Minister, Hon. Ken Ofori Atta, during the reading of the 2024 budget and economic policy of government on the floor of Parliament, the government has budgeted an amount of two hundred and twenty million Ghana cedis (GHC 220 million) to support the relief phase for communities affected by the spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions.
She stated that the government’s commitment to restoring livelihoods remains in progress, with GH¢40 million set aside.
Speaking as the chair of the inter-ministerial committee established by the president to assess the situation in affected areas, she noted that the government’s budget of GH¢220 million, as announced by the Finance Minister, will significantly aid victims while ensuring that no one is left behind in all affected areas.
“Government has so far made available for relief efforts GH¢40 million between VRA and NADMO within the period. Government is committed to releasing additional funds. Steps are being taken to secure additional funding from the World Bank and international climate-related sources to support the affected communities, especially for rehabilitation,” she said.
The Chief of Staff stated “Let me emphasize that, the inter-ministerial committee does not only work with Ministers but also works with technical teams from the following agencies: VRA, NADMO, Environmental Protection Agency, Water Resources Commission, Ghana Hydrological Authority, Ghana Health Service and Ghana Education Service.
The committee she noted will continuously engage all relevant stakeholders to ensure effective management of the impact of the flood in affected communities and streamline programs towards the restoration of livelihoods.
