The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has denied claims that it has removed military forces from Mepe in the Volta Region as a result of the Akosmobo Dam leak.
According to media reports and social media posts, the troops sent to the region for humanitarian aid operations were removed on the orders of a higher authority.
However, in a statement dated Sunday, October 22, signed by M.A Larbi Naval Captain for Director General, Public Relations, it was regarded as “inaccurate.”
“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) wishes to debunk some media reports and series of social media posts especially on Twitter (X), claiming that military personnel deployed to Mepe in Volta Region for Humanitarian Relief Operations following the spillage of the Akosmobo Dam, have been withdrawn. GAF wishes to categorically state that the information in circulation is inaccurate and that the personnel have not been given any ‘orders from above’ to withdraw from Mepe or any other community affected by the spillage contrary to the social media posts,” GAF rejected in its statement.
GAF revealed that the activities carried out by its officers take place in stages.
“It must be emphasised that the Humanitarian Relief Operations (Operation Boafo), being conducted by the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Army is being executed in phases,” GAF added in its statement.
It stated its commitment to ensure an immediate, equitable, and adequate response, therefore assisting all individuals and communities affected by the spill in collaboration with all stakeholders.
“GAF, therefore, wishes to assure the general public that as recently reported in the media of the thousands of persons rescued and marked efforts being made to support victims, it will not relent in the quest to ensure urgent, equitable and appropriate response and support to all persons and communities affected by the spillage in conjunction with all stakeholders.”
GAF also stated in its statement that its personnel from the Naval Riverine Command and the Army’s 48 Engineer Regiment are still deployed and conducting relief operations (Operation Boafo) in accordance with the circumstances at Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Adidome, Aveyime, New Bakpa, Big Ada Ada Foah, and the surrounding communities.
“These personnel are armed with ten (ten) Naval Boats and four (four) Engineer Assault Boats.” GAF has saved over 12,000 people since October 13, 2023.”
Samuel Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, had earlier reported that military soldiers had departed the region.
He later confirmed the return of the troops.
https://x.com/S_OkudzetoAblak/status/1716074206536839550?s=20
In a post on X, he said, “I am able to confirm that the military did indeed return following the reversal of that devious order from “above.”
“Let’s be clear, the over 12,000 displaced beloved constituents of mine have done nothing wrong to deserve their current VRA-induced predicament — all we ask for is empathy and justice.”
https://x.com/S_OkudzetoAblak/status/1716080707766800648?s=20
