ELS: MBN360 NEWS
The Minority Caucus has demanded a comprehensive national sanitation policy from government following the recent flooding incidents that caused deaths, property destruction and business losses in several communities. The caucus argued that temporary clean up exercises would not address the underlying challenges contributing to recurring floods across the country.
The Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin, pointed out that Parliament needs a detailed briefing from the Minister of Works and Water Resources on measures being developed to tackle the sanitation situation. He argued that a long-term policy framework is needed to provide a lasting response to the challenges facing communities affected by flooding.
According to him, previous commitments from government agencies must move beyond immediate interventions and focus on sustainable solutions that address drainage systems and waste management. The Effutu MP said the scale of the recent disaster required urgent national action and a clear direction from authorities.
“Clean-up exercises are not the solution. The solution is a well thought out policy on sanitation. That is what we need as a country. Enough of the knee-jerk posture, the ad-hoc measures. We don’t need them.”Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin
Furthermore, the Minority Leader urged government to acknowledge the impact of the disaster on ordinary citizens who lost homes, personal belongings and sources of livelihood. He said many affected individuals were private citizens whose losses deserved official recognition and support.
Addressing the issue in Parliament, Honourable Afenyo Markin called for an official response regarding the lives lost during the floods and urged authorities to consider a national mourning declaration. He referenced previous disasters where such measures were taken and argued that the recent situation required similar attention.
He also raised questions about the management of funds approved by Parliament to support emergency interventions. He explained that the Minority supported the approval process and expected the Finance Minister to appear before the House to provide details on how the money had been utilised.
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Moreover, he cited concerns surrounding relief items distributed by the National Disaster Management Organisation in areas such as Nima and Maamobi. The Minority Leader said Parliament needs clarity on the source of some donated items and the overall coordination of support efforts.
He added that the Majority Leader should schedule a briefing from the Finance Minister to update lawmakers on the disbursement of the approved funds. The request, according to him, is to ensure transparency during a period of national difficulty.
Calls For Financial Briefing Over Emergency Funds
The Minority Caucus requested further clarification on government’s handling of emergency resources following the approval of funds to support responses to the flooding situation. The caucus said Parliament required detailed information on the use of public funds and measures introduced after the disaster.
“The issue has to do with accountability of the 350 million that was approved by this House. We have heard of the disbursement. We, the Minority, supported government when it brought the application to the Finance Committee. It was not a majority decision; it was a unanimous decision by the committee.”Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin
Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin explained that previous parliamentary engagements showed that ministers have provided detailed reports when similar national challenges occurred. He referred to the period when Bryan Acheampong, then Minister of Agriculture, briefed the House during the dry spell situation and provided information requested by the then Minority.
From his perspective, the current flood situation also requires a structured update from government officials to enable Parliament to understand the steps being taken. The Minority Leader stressed that his request was aimed at obtaining information on actions being implemented for affected citizens.
“The language is important. I am asking that this House is briefed on the steps government is taking. In other disasters, we heard of national mourning. Three days of national mourning. Nothing has been said, and that is what I want the Minister to brief this House.”Honourable Alexander Kwamena Afenyo Markin
In addition, Honourable Afenyo Markin asked the Attorney General and Minister of Justice to provide information on issues surrounding the reported garnishment of government accounts. He seeks details on the entity, institution or individual involved in the matter and how it affected government financial operations.
