The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has debunked allegations of withdrawing its personnel deployed to Mepe in the Volta region following the spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.
A Sunday, October 22, 2023 statement signed by the Director General of Public Relations, Naval Captain M.A Larbi, described the reports as “inaccurate.”
The statement comes after reports on both mainstream and social media indicated that the personnel have been withdrawn upon an “order from above”.
“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to Mepe in Volta Region for Humanitarian Relief Operations following the spillage of the Akosmobo Dam, have been withdrawn.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,” The GAF statement said in some parts.
According to the statement, the GAF said: “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.”
If further assured the public of its commitment to provide the needed support for the victims in an equitable and appropriate manner.
“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,” the statement added.
In accordance with the exigencies of the situation at the affected areas, the GAF said its personnel of the Naval Riverine Command and the Army’s 48 Engineer Regiment are still deployed and conducting the relief operations (Operation Boafo) for the victims.
The areas in question include Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Adidome, Aveyime, New Bakpa, Big Ada Ada Foah and the surrounding communities.
“These personnel are equipped with 10 Naval Boats and four (four) Engineer Assault Boats. From 13th October 2023 till date, GAF has rescued about 12,000 persons,” the statement contained.
