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National Chief Imam, Clemence Gyato donate relief items and cash to Dam Spillage victims
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu on Tuesday, November 21, 2023, teamed up with National Peace Ambassador, Clemence Gyato to donate relief items to Akosombo Dam Spillage victims in North Tongu District.
They visited the second biggest displaced camp located at Agbetikpo in North Tongu, housing about 1,200 people.
Over Twelve thousand people have been displaced and housed in about 21 camps in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region.
Various items ranging from 100 bags of rice, 200 packs of bottled water, 50 bags of sachet water, 250 packs of soft drinks, clothes, wrappers, pairs of footwear, books and packs of powdered soap worth over GH₵300,000 were presented to the victims.
Additionally, they presented a cash of GH₵70,000 to help relieve the affected people of their pain.
Addressing the gathering the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu said, the visit formed part of their civic and Islamic responsibilities to solidarise with those affected, adding that for the pain they have gone through, he is with them in diversity and prosperity.
Sheikh Nuhu Sharabutu encouraged them that at times God takes His Children through difficulties and cushions them at the end.
Against this backdrop, he asked for God’s blessings to wipe away their pain and sorrow.
“What I can say for now is, may God strengthen you and give you the fortitude to go through these hard times,” he said.
The National Peace Ambassador, Amb. Clemence Gyato on his part said, considering the difficulty the displaced individuals have encountered, it was prudent that he teamed up with the National Chief Imam to put smiles on the faces of the victims.
Amb. Gyato recounted how the Chief Imam took him as a son and appointed him as part of a delegation which brokered peace during the conflict between the people of Hohoe and the Muslim community some years ago.
He thanked the Chief Imam for his peace initiatives and for ensuring religious tolerance in the country over the years.
Amb. Gyato urged the youth to stay away from any act which could breach the peace of their communities, saying they cannot achieve their dreams in turmoil.
On behalf of the victims, the Member of Parliament for the people of North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa expressed his profound gratitude to The Chief Imam and Amb. Clemence Gyato for the kind gesture.
According to him in North Tongu alone, 12,633 have been displaced and lost their home, adding that where the presentation took place is only one of the 21 camps in the constituency.
He noted that the six-unit classroom block houses 1,254 displaced people making it the second biggest camp, ” the biggest camp is at Mepe St. Kizito Secondary School.”
Mr.Ablakwa said according to NADMO more than 1,500 houses were damaged as a result of the Dam Spillage.
This notwithstanding, he expressed his appreciation to Ghanaians, “I must place on record that Ghanaians have exhibited their ‘Ghanaianess’.What makes us unique? The saying that we are compassionate, kind, hospitable, caring and loving is not in doubt.
According to him, this has been demonstrated by the National Chief Imam which would be emulated by many organisations and individuals
People must recognise that the over 12,000 displaced people have lost everything including farms and other businesses and have to be fed at the various camps.
“We must place on record that the National Chief Imam is truly our father and loves the people of the Volta Region because he knows what we like, maize dominated the item,” he added.
Mr.Ablakwa said the people of North Tongu have been touched by the gesture because since the disaster struck the Chief Imam has been the highest religious leader who has visited them.
He said the cash donated would go into a housing project they are undertaking and promised that every item received would be accounted for and ensure those at the remaining 20 camps are not left out.
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Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
