Three Members of Parliament from the Volta Region have made passionate appeal to the central government to hear the cry of the people in the areas affected by tidal waves.
In a statement to Parliament on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, Kwame Dzudzorli Gakpey, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, and Kwame Sefe, Members of Parliament for Keta, Ketu South, and Anlo respectively, highlighted the dire situation faced by their constituencies due to recurrent tidal wave destructions.
Presenting a staggering account of 14 incidents since 2017, they expressed grave concerns over the government’s inadequate response to the crisis, emphasizing the devastating impact on coastal communities.
They called for urgent and comprehensive intervention, demanding immediate humanitarian aid, infrastructure rehabilitation, and long-term measures to enhance community resilience.
“Mr. Speaker, the persistent cyclone inflicted economic loss and damage over the years runs into more than 4 billion USD. The damage in the year 2021 alone which saw the highest number of occurrences in recent years is estimated to be more than USD 20 million”
“Mr. Speaker, the government must not remain adamant to the suffering of our fellow citizens. This Parliament has the power to hold the government accountable and to ensure that the people of Keta, Anlo, and Ketu South receive the assistance they so desperately deserve,” excerpts of the statement read.
With unwavering determination, the trio painted a vivid picture of despair, recounting the displacement of families, shattered livelihoods, and the loss of cultural heritage.
In light of the magnitude of the crisis in the three coastal constituencies, the MPs expressed worry over what they described as the government’s indifference, emphasizing the critical need for immediate and comprehensive intervention.
United by a common purpose, these MPs implored their colleagues to set aside partisan divisions and rally behind the cause, adding that the people of Keta, Ketu South, and Anlo deserve swift and decisive action to stem the tide of destruction and rebuild their resilient coastal communities.
“Mr. Speaker, in conclusion, I urge every member of this Parliament to put aside partisan differences. Let us unite in solidarity with the people of Keta, Anlo, and Ketu South. Let us demand the accountability and action that Keta, Anlo, and Ketu South rightly deserve”
The statement which was delivered in a charged atmosphere, said the government must not remain adamant about the suffering of people from the three constituencies, demanding Parliament, which is clothed with power, to hold the government accountable and to ensure that the people of Keta, Anlo and Ketu South receive the assistance they so desperately deserve.
“Mr. Speaker, we implore this Parliament to call upon the government to prioritize the needs of the people of Keta, Anlo, and Ketu South”
“We must demand a concrete and immediate plan of action. Action that includes immediate humanitarian aid and rehabilitation of infrastructure,” the trio stressed.
The statement also noted that all the Green Financing and the Climate Funds secured by the current administration has not reached the people of Keta, Anlo, and Ketu, wondering what those funds have been used for.
They warned that the youths from the three constituencies are organizing to petition the global community.
By: Bright Yao Dzakah | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
