Former President John Mahama has reiterated calls on the government to show more sympathy to residents on Keta-Aflao stretch affected by severe tidal waves.
Speaking during a visit to some affected communities, Mr. Mahama said, “even if you cannot provide them with anything, just a visit to show that you care about them is important.”
His visit to the area was to provide some relief items to the hundreds of residents in the Anlo district, Keta, and Ketu South Municipalities who have been displaced.
He donated 1,000 bags of rice, 3,000 mattresses, 2,000 pieces of canned fish and tomatoes, boxes of Nido and Milo to affected persons after addressing supporters at the Keta Municipal Assembly.
The Chief of Anyanyui who received the former president at Fuveme was elated by the visit.
He said, “your love for us is much appreciated, and your presence here makes our problems half-solved”.
The atmosphere was that of a cheerful one, despite the current predicament of the people.
The former president said he’s hopeful authorities in that matter will collaborate to consider a relocation plan.
He indicated his commitment to donate bags of cement and roofing materials for the construction of new homes for the affected victims.
So far, the Volta Caucus of Members of Parliament has visited some affected communities where they donated monies to each of the three constituencies to alleviate the plight of affected victims.
The government has had some representation on the ground, with the Coastal Development Authority (CoDA) indicating some support to fisherfolk whose livelihood has been affected.
But no significant relief efforts have been seen from the central government.
This response has been criticised, and Mr. Mahama said the Akufo-Addo administration was to blame for the limited support offered by the National Disaster Management Organisation.
“They [NADMO] don’t have the items, and I don’t blame them. It is the fault of the administration because they are not given the sufficient resources to be able to respond.”
The little that NADMO had, they have brought it, and that is why we have come to supplement whatever they have brought and to call on the government to show sympathy to the people here.”
