The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Volta Region is deeply troubled by the failure of the Gender, Children, and Social Protection Minister, Hon. Lariba Zuweira Abudu, to safeguard the welfare of the nation’s most vulnerable amidst the flood crisis caused by what it described as the planned spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectricity facilities. According to the party, children, golden agers, women, Persons With Disabilities (PWDs), and other vulnerable groups have not only suffered the brunt of the floodwaters but are also facing some discrimination in relief items distribution coupled with staying under inhumane conditions.
A statement issued by the opposition NDC and signed by its Regional Communications Officer, Mr. Sorkpa Kafui Agbleze, noted that it is distressing that these already marginalized groups have not only fallen victim to the floodwaters unleashed on them by the VRA but are also facing blatant discrimination in the distribution of relief items coupled with having to stay in a crowded environment with deplorable sanitation condition. The NDC said, “It is unacceptable and a dire situation that requires immediate attention and redress”.
Mr. Agbleze noted that while SOS calls and cries from these vulnerable individuals inundated the media, Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu appeared to be sleeping or deliberately sitting unconcerned. He pointed out, “Even the reported case of the collapse of an elderly woman in the Agbetikpo camp in North Tongu and the weeping of a frail 85-year-old Janet Gidi on live TV in opposition to their suffering and discrimination could not move Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu to realize that it was her responsibility to cater for these ill-protected people”.
The NDC said it firmly believes that it is the responsibility of the Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection to ensure that these vulnerable populations are protected and provided with the necessary support during these times of crisis. She must take a keen interest in and ensure equitable access to relief resources, adding that this blatant unfairness against the citizenry goes against the principles she is supposed to uphold. “It is a clear case of dereliction of duty, and it is high time she stood up and be counted”, the statement emphasized.
The NDC admonished all persons and entities in the relief distribution chain to deliberately and conscientiously prioritize PWDs, children, the aged, and other vulnerable groups, as being done by Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu. It also called on everyone to liaise with the appropriate authorities and continue to show the innate Ghanaian spirit of compassion, generosity, and hospitality towards one another.
The Communication Director stated that the Volta NDC remains committed to advocating for the rights, privileges, and protection of all citizens, particularly those within the vulnerable bracket of our society. “We implore the government through the Gender, Children and Social Protection Ministry to take urgent and decisive steps to rectify these injustices and ensure that no one is left behind in these excruciating times of humanitarian crisis”, the statement concluded.
