‘VRA CEO organized end-of-year carnival while victims of Akosombo dam spillage were suffering’ — Ablakwa

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has criticized the CEO of the Volta River Authority (VRA), Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, for organizing an end-of-year carnival despite many victims of last year's Akosombo dam spillage still suffering.

In a statement on Thursday, March 28, Mr. Ablakwa questioned why the 63-year-old remains CEO despiting passing the retirement age of 60.

"This VRA CEO after creating the biggest man-made-disaster in September last year, had no difficulty with his conscience in organizing a VRA end-of-year carnival, karaoke and jams,” part of the post read.

He was referring to a leaked memo inviting local residents to participate in the December 2023 VRA carnival, which included activities like face-painting, live performances and DJ karaoke.

However, Ablakwa noted that "6 months after his catastrophic spillage, the VRA CEO hasn’t commenced the construction of resettlement homes neither has he compensated his victims most of whom are sheltering in tents."

The spillage last September caused widespread losses with residence of affected communities losing their farms, houses and other properties.

Mr. Ablakwa is outraged that the CEO prioritized end-of-year revelry over flood victims still suffering without adequate aid.

He called for Antwi-Darkwa's dismissal, because "Leaders must have respect and empathy for the people they serve — it’s the people’s right."