MPs advocate better interventions during disasters

Members of Parliament are calling for more effective ways in dealing with disasters which are recorded in various parts of the country.

Nsawam-Adoagyiri MP Frank Annoh-Dompreh raised concerns with the previous government’s lack of action on the explosion at Paebo in the Eastern Region. Mr Dompreh indicated that a fresh probe into the explosion that claimed three lives would be in order.

It will be recalled that the fatal explosion resulted in scores of people sustaining various degrees of injury following an ammonium dynamite bang at an abandoned quarry at Paebo in the Eastern Region.

The explosion rendered many residents homeless as properties were also destroyed in the explosion.

On the floor of the House on Friday, January 27, the legislators called on the Attorney General to brief the House on the state of investigations into the incident.

Mr Annoh-Dompreh urged the incoming Minister for the Interior to “prioritise the matter and possibly initiate a fresh probe into the matter”. We can afford to play the ostrich especially in this critical matter. We must strive to bring relief to our fellow Ghanaians in order to make life meaningful”.

Mr Dompreh added: “The recent gas explosion near the Trade Fair Centre in La, Accra, amongst others, are no exception and I gather some hope when I hear the president, Nana Akufo-Addo, expressing his sympathy to the affected families and saying without mincing words that it was about time we took a second look at the location for siting of gas stations as well as ensuring strict adherence and enforcement of safety regulations to forestall any avoidable accidents.”

Old Tafo MP Dr Anthony Akoto Osei was of the view that politics should be shelved when dealing with critical issues like disasters.

“As much as possible, we should be apolitical. What we are looking for is the solution to the current status of affected people; that is what matters. As of today, these people have not been helped and what we need to be asking is how to assist government to help these people. I’m glad my good friend said the matter is with the Attorney General, presumably in the handing-over notes. This house ought to invite the Attorney General to come back to us for explanation,” he stated.

Dr Rashid Pelpuo, MP for Wa Central, impressed on the leadership of parliament to activate all laws concerning disaster management to minimise the adverse impact on the lives of victims of such calamities.

“All our policies about reducing disaster and fighting it must be activated. In Ghana, it does appear that most of the laws we have do not operationalise when it comes to the need for them,” he said.