The Minority Leader in Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has challenged the government to abandon ad-hoc clean-up campaigns in favour of a structured, long-term national sanitation policy.
Addressing the House, the Effutu Member of Parliament argued that the recent directive for a two-day clean-up exercise is inadequate to address Ghana’s persistent sanitation crises and devastating seasonal floods.
He criticised the state’s reliance on temporary, reactive measures, which he described as delayed and knee-jerk.
“The clean-up exercise is not the solution. The solution is a well-thought-out policy on sanitation. That is what we need as a country,” Mr Afenyo-Markin stated.
To address the immediate fallout of the recent deluge, the Minority Leader urged the government to declare a period of national mourning.
He expressed deep concern for the thousands of ordinary citizens who lost their livelihoods, properties, and loved ones, pointing out that their suffering has been largely overlooked because they do not hold public office.
“People have died, Mr. Speaker. It is important that we have some official statement to commiserate and to address it,” he said.
He further noted that previous national disasters of similar magnitude prompted official declarations of national mourning from the presidency, a gesture of solidarity that has been conspicuously absent during the current crisis.
Beyond policy reform, Mr Afenyo-Markin is demanding immediate financial accountability, specifically regarding the utilization of the GH¢350 million emergency fund previously sanctioned by Parliament for flood relief and related emergencies.
“Mr. Speaker, the rules are clear on accountability. We expect the Minister to come next week to brief this House on how the 350 million has been disbursed,” he demanded.
To facilitate this, the Minority Leader called on the leadership of the House to summon the Minister for Works and Housing under Standing Order 217.
This parliamentary move aims to compel the sector minister to present a comprehensive briefing on both the distribution of the emergency funds and the government’s definitive strategy for flood mitigation.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana