The government's decision to allocate GH¢220 million for relief in the areas affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage and floods in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions has faced criticism from the Member of Parliament for Tamale North, Alhassan Suhuyini.

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Mr Suhuyini, expressed his disapproval, describing the announcement made by the Minister of Finance during the 2024 budget presentation to Parliament on Wednesday, November 15, as insulting and shameful.

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In his presentation, Ofori-Atta outlined the government's approach to addressing the situation in two phases: the relief phase and the restoration phase, allocating GH¢220 million to the former.

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Mr Suhuyini, in response, voiced his disagreement with the government's actions and called for immediate measures to assist the affected communities.

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“Mr. Speaker, the Government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions,” Ofori-Atta stated.

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Speaking on The Big Issue on Citi FM/Citi TV, he expressed his dismay, characterizing the government's demand for praise for the budget announcement as nauseating.

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He suggested that if any entity deserved commendation, it would be Citi FM/Citi TV, not what he termed as "the inept and insensitive NPP government."

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According to Suhuyini, the government's belated intention to allocate funds, which still need to be raised, is an insult to the people who have been enduring hardships for years.

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He emphasized the need for the government to demonstrate greater responsibility and questioned whether the allocated funds would indeed be released and effectively utilized.

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“For the government to come and announce this belated intention of allocating money that is now to be raised is an insult and deserves criticism. It is an insult to the people who have been suffering all these years. Our government must be more responsible. Even when they make these allocations, you wonder if they will ever be released,” he added.

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