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.