ACCRA JUNE 9, 2015(CISA) – Ghana Catholic Bishops Conference has called on the government to address the flooding that has recently killed over 150 people.
According to the Bishops, the government must cease the “long empty promises” and fix the problem that is affecting most cities in the countries to forestall such avoidable deaths.
“For all this time, what we have witnessed is government officials and ministers visiting flood scenes to commiserate with the victims and to make long empty promises to fix the situation,” Chairman of the bishops Conference Archbishop Joseph Osei-Bonsu said in a statement June 5.
“Year in and year out, the same situation keeps recurring without any concrete practical steps being taken to address it holistically,” the bishops added.
The prelates called on the city authorities “not to give building permits to people who build their houses on water courses.”
“Those who flout such building regulations must be dealt with according to the law. Every Ghanaian should accept that when we flout our laws, we will all one day inevitably face the consequences of such an act,” it said.
They also extended their condolences to the bereaved families and directed all Catholics to pray for the departed and donate blood to save the ailing.
President John Mahama announced three days of national mourning which begun on Monday June 8 and will end on Wednesday June 10 with a memorial service at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
Edward Boamah, the Minister for Communications, released a statement June 5 calling on Ghanaians and the wider public community to wear black or red armbands and clothing.
The government further announced that it would take care of the hospital bills for victims as well as to distribute water, food, and other items to the affected communities.
