The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has refuted claims in sections of the media that the military high command has ordered military personnel deployed to Mepe, which is the most flooded town in the Volta Region following the recent spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, to withdraw from the location.

Reports say the soldiers were asked to discontinue providing the residents of Mepe with the humanitarian support services it is now providing.

But the Ghana Armed Force (GAF) in a statement dated Sunday, October 22, 2023, signed by Naval Captain MA Larbi denied the claims and urged members of the public to treat the reports with the contempt that it deserves.

“The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) wishes to debunk some media reports and series of social media posts especially on Twitter IX) claiming that military personnel deployed to Mepe in Volta Region for Humanitarian Relief Operations following the spillage of the Akosombo 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 have been withdrawn.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 statement added: “It must be emphasized that the Humanitarian Relief Operations being conducted by the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command, and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Army is being executed in phases. As of 22 October 2023, the situation in Mepe has been brought under considerable control and therefore it became necessary to urgently redeploy some personnel and equipment to other distressed communities around Bator and its environs. which were in dire need of support.”

It noted that “Following the deployment of additional personnel and equipment to these distressed communities, the operations being conducted have been varied to suit the evolving situation. It must be placed on record that for the purpose of this operation. GAF has established an Emergency Operations Centre which is coordinating all the GAF activities in a harmonized manner in conjunction with NADMO.”

GAF therefore assured 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.”

Source: Kasapafmonline.com