Contributions to a floor statement on the Volta River Authority’s (VRA) controlled spillage, which has had negative impact on communities downstream, sparked rowdy scenes in the House yesterday.
The spillage, which began on September 15, caused considerable flooding in the Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra Regions, displacing several residents and destroying personal effects.
Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, Minister of Energy, briefed Parliament on the spillage, explaining that the VRA was forced to take emergency measures due to exceptionally high amounts of water in the dam’s reservoir.
According to him, if the VRA had not been proactive in spilling the water, the dam would have overtopped, which might have caused an unimaginable disaster for the inhabitants around the river.
He also stated that flood victims had been sheltered in safe havens, with donations from the VRA, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), corporations, organisations and individuals to bring about relief.
However, a rancorous debate developed after some Minority members objected to elements of the statement suggesting official actions to bring relief to the victims.
Jeering and heckling erupted in the chamber with claims and counterclaims of direct personal attacks, which undermined decorum in the House.
The North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa heckled Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako, and ignored his orders to be seated.
After almost an hour of political theatre, the Energy Minister brought the curtain down in characteristic fashion, with a tongue-in-cheek farewell, pointing out the central government’s support.
He was responding to Mr. Ablakwa, who said the minister was engaged in falsehood in his statement and made light of the plight of his constituents.
The minister insisted that MPs from the affected areas had been given relief items for their constituents, and said all these had been documented.
By Ernest Kofi Adu, Parliament House