No need for state of emergency at Swedru - government

Property valued at more than GH¢ 12 million were destroyed at Swedru

Government says it is well equipped to contain the recent disaster that struck some parts of the country, adding it would, therefore, be needless to declare a state of emergency at any place.

A Deputy Minister of Information Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told Sampson Ladi Ayenini on Joy FM's Top Story Monday that the government has so far been able to meet the basic needs of the flood victims, especially those at Agona Swedru in the Central Region, and would therefore serve no purpose to declare a state of emergency for the area.

“Having assessed the tragedy and the disaster, we are at this moment feel able to handle the situation with our own resources and our own capabilities.”

This was in response to calls by the chiefs in the area for the government to declare a state of emergency in the Agona State for both local and foreign philanthropists to go to their aid.

About 14,658 people have been displaced and property valued at more than GH¢ 12 million at Agona Swedru and Agona Nyakrom were destroyed following the recent flood. The chiefs said the situation is adversely affecting economic activities in the area.

But Mr Ablakwa said their calls would not demand a different approach from what being put in place by the government.

He said the taskforce commissioned by President Atta Mills to assess the extent of damage caused by the floods is due to submit its report to the president by Friday, “after which the president will raise the needed resources to permanently address these problems”.

Commenting on the issue, the Municipal Chief Executive for the area, Felix Obeng Forson says the situation is under control.

“The situation is calm people are having their normal businesses as required and there is no cause for alarm.”

He would however not comment on the state of emergency but said the victims have been supplied with water and other necessities including medical team positioned at various check points. “We are doing our best,” he said.

Meanwhile the Ghana Red Cross Society is supporting calls for the state of emergency to be declared in Agona Swedru.

Eric Asamoah Darko, the Accra Regional Manager of the Red Cross Society, feared the cholera outbreak at Ashaiman may occur at Swedru.

“We have done our assessment and found out the needs of the people and we are seeking assistance from the international community so that we can also assist them.”

Story by Isaac Essel/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana