Aspiring Presidential Candidate for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Hon. Ken Ohene Agyapong, has made a personal donation of GH₵100,000 and substantial quantities of relief items to displaced victims of the Volta and Kpong Dam spillages.
The items included 300 bags of 50kg of rice, 300 packs of bottled water, and 50 pieces of first aid kits.
It may be recalled that the Volta River Authority (VRA) about a fortnight ago began a controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams due to a consistent rise in water levels upstream, a consequence of heavy rainfall. These actions were necessary to protect the integrity of the dams and prevent potential disasters.
However, the unintended negative consequences of the spillage have brought hardship and suffering to the residents living near the downstream section of the Volta River in nine districts in the Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra regions.
The rising water levels led to catastrophic flooding in several fishing and farming communities, and over 30,000 people have been displaced, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
The business magnate and politician touched by the plight of the victims, especially in the hardest-hit area of Mepe and surrounding communities, visited the area and presented various relief items to the affected communities in the Central, South, North Tongu and Keta constituencies in the Volta Region.
This gesture is one of several that Hon. Ken Agyapong, one of the most benevolent philanthropists in Ghana, has done for distressed victims in recent times.
Speaking at the event, Hon. Ken sympathized with the victims, stressing that anguish and sadness are evident as their world has been turned upside down due to the catastrophic spillage. He was of the opinion that the VRA should compensate the victims and adopt new strategies in the future.
The Assin Central MP assured the affected people that he would do everything possible in his capacity to assist them, provide relief and restore the livelihood of those affected.
The queen mother of the area who received the items expressed appreciation to Hon. Ken for the kind gesture.
Some displaced victims shared their thoughts on the visit and donation by Hon. Ken Ohen Aygapong.
By: Isaac Clottey
