The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) says Humanitarian Relief Operations, called Operation Boafo, is still ongoing in flood affected areas in the Volta Region.
Operation Boafo is being conducted by Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Army, and it is expected to be executed in phases.
In a statement signed by Naval Captain M.A. Larbi, GAF said as of October 22, 2023 the situation at Mepe has been brought under considerable control and, therefore, it became necessary to urgently redeploy some of the personnel and equipment to Battor and other areas, in dire need of support.
The statement said additional personnel and equipment had been deployed to more distressed communities, as the operations are being conducted in a manner that suits a given situation.
The statement was in response to false claims that military personnel deployed to Mepe in the Volta Region for Humanitarian Relief Operations, following the spillage of the Akosmobo Dam, have been withdrawn.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,” it debunked.
The Forces placed on record that for the purpose of this operation, it established an Emergency Operations Centre, which is coordinating all GAF activities in a harmonised manner, in conjunction with NADMO.
Currently, personnel of the Naval Riverine Command and the Army’s 48 Engineer Regiment are still conducting the relief operations (Operation Boafo) in accordance with the exigencies of the situation at Mepe, Battor, Sogakope, Adidome, Aveyime, New Bakpa, Big Ada, Ada Foah and the surrounding communities.
It added that these personnel are equipped with 10 Naval Boats and four Engineer Assault Boats, and has rescued about 12,000 people since October 13.
“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,” it added.
