Kintampo disaster: Minority wants gov't to medical expenses of injured

The Minority in Parliament has implored government to the medical expenses of students who were injured in the Kintampo Waterfalls disaster.

Minority leader, Haruna Iddrisu, in a statement Monday said the goverment must “defray their [injured] medical expenses as was the practice when the NDC held political power.”

Ghana Fire Service (GFS) officials have confirmed the death of a total of 20 students after a huge tree tumbled on them Sunday while they swam in the waterfall.

Out of 11 others who sustained varying degrees of injury, eight (8) are on admission at the Techiman Municipal Hospital, while three others have been rushed to Kumasi for special care.

The students who were largely from Wenchi Methodist senior high school were on an excursion in the company of their teachers.

It has been confirmed the tragic accident occurred after a strong wind flung a huge tree which was on top of the mountain.

The Waterfalls is estimated to attract hundreds of revellers every day but the Sunday attendees were students.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia visited three of the families who lost their loved ones and gave them an undisclosed sum of money.

“We are here on behalf of the President...our intention is to come here to mourn with the bereaved family...because we are all part of one family,” he told the bereaved families.

He said government will direct an investigation into the circumstances leading to the incident to understand how it all happened.

Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia with Tourism Minister, Catherine Afeku

Tourism Minister, Catherine Afeku has directed officials of the Ministry to conduct a safety audit at all the tourist sites in the country to avert future incidents.

Wading into the issue, National Democratic Congress (NDC) Members of Parliament (MPs) have praised rescuers for the swift manner they intervened in the incident.

“It is most disturbing that this calamity comes at a time the nation is yet to recover from other recent fatalities caused by a surge in motor accidents and suicide cases,” the Minority said.

The NDC MPs have suggested to government to consider providing an insurance cover for all recognised tourist sites.

Mr Iddrisu entreated government to launch a full scale investigation into the incident and to make the findings public.

He also cautioned Ghanaians especially journalists to be mindful about publication of images accident victims.

“We ought to be reminded of the dignity of the victims and the sensitivities of their families,” Mr Iddrisu said.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brako-Powers | [email protected]