I urged H.E Akufo Addo to lend us listening ear on his visit – Mepe Queen Mother
In an interview on NSG News’ flagship program The Hot Seat, Queen Mother Mama Sreku IV of Mepe/Bator shed light on the escalating crisis triggered by the VRA Dam spillage exercise. Her testimony paints a grim picture of the situation, with growing fears of an impending epidemic in the affected communities.
Queen Mother Mama Sreku IV expressed her dismay at the lack of action by authorities, despite previous advisories to evacuate the affected areas. She noted that the dam didn’t just filled up overnight and that the VRA may have been aware of the exercise weeks or a month prior to the exercise giving all the technical knowledge they have as an authority yet delayed intervention until the last moment—an act she characterized as “wickedness.”
Addressing concerns raised by NSG News commenters about residents’ proximity to the river, Mama Sreku IV categorically refuted the assertion. She emphasized that she personally conducted thorough assessments, alongside other community members, and found no settlements within the alleged 60-yard danger zone.
Furthermore, she labeled the situation an “avoidable disaster,” highlighting discrepancies in the VRA’s claim of a simulation exercise. Notably, transportation resources were not provided at the onset of the flood, compounding the crisis.
Former President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, in a statement on his official website, disputed blame placed on affected residents. He stressed the need for multilateral partnerships to address the multifaceted challenges facing the Area
Joining forces with MP Hon Okudzeto Ablakwa, Queen Mother Mama Sreku IV is urging the government to declare a state of emergency in the affected area. However, there have been reports of the MP’s initial reluctance to engage with NSG News, a stance that was later rectified after the Queen Mother’s interview.
The dire conditions in Mepe are now exacerbated by an influx of mosquitoes and rising cases of malaria. Relief efforts have faced setbacks, as items are being mistakenly delivered to incorrect locations, particularly the safe haven. The leadership has called on NADMO for improved coordination in future actions.
Tensions have also emerged over relief item distribution, with allegations of unilateral action by donors and the NDC, circumventing consultation with the traditional council. The NDC’s handling of relief items has drawn sharp criticism, prompting a demand for public acknowledgment that the traditional council is no longer in possession of the distributed items.
In a bid for accurate data collection and effective distribution, Queen Mother Mama Sreku IV is actively compiling information on the affected population. Meanwhile, the district health department has issued a warning of increasing acidity in the waters, heightening health concerns.
During a visit to the affected area, President HE Nana Akufo Addo assured that further dam water releases were unnecessary, citing forecasts of no further rainfall. The Queen Mother urged the President to lend a listening ear to the affected and the traditional council, cautioning against reliance on potentially inaccurate information from ministers and other sources.
However, tensions arose during the interaction with Ministers when DCE OB Amoah emphasized the exclusive nature of inter-ministerial meetings, suggesting that the traditional council lacked qualification for participation.
Contrary to claims of displacement due to proximity to the river, Eamn clarified that compliance within the designated 60-yard safety zone was not a factor. Furthermore, the VRA’s own substation in Sogakope was forced to shut down due to flooding.
Acknowledging the support of Cool of Natural mineral water, NSG News has called for additional assistance, both domestically and internationally, to address the mounting crisis.
In a heartfelt message, Queen Mother Mama Sreku IV extended gratitude to all supporters, while emphasizing the urgent need for essential supplies—food, toiletries, and fumigation, among others. She reiterated the community’s demand for true accountability in the allocation of government resources.
The circulating video of the President’s comments, juxtaposing community support with electoral affiliations, was met with criticism. Queen Mother Mama Sreku IV implored for a shift in focus towards the prevailing crisis, urging transparent resource allocation.
The situation remains critical, with the affected communities in desperate need of immediate and sustained assistance. As efforts continue, the collective call for accountability and effective coordination is paramount in addressing this escalating humanitarian crisis.
The NSG News team will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as more information becomes available.
