Local News

MP Bede Ziedeng Appeals For Emergency Aid

Story Highlights
  • Interior and Energy Ministers to appear before Parliament next week
  • Seven students drowned crossing the Black Volta on June 13
  • MPs demand budget support for life jackets and river transport safety

Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak and Energy and Green Transition Minister John Jinapor are scheduled to appear before Parliament next week to respond to urgent concerns over the absence of life jackets in communities reliant on water transport.

The summons follows the tragic drowning of seven students from Lawra Senior High School on June 13, 2025, while crossing the Black Volta River.

Due to the river’s connection to broader energy and environmental concerns, the inclusion of the Energy Minister will facilitate a broader discussion about safety in communities along the Volta River system.

During a parliamentary session on June 17, Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako supported a motion put forward by Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, calling for the two ministers to appear. He stressed the urgency of the matter.

“We should consider allocating a portion of the Interior Ministry’s budget to address this emergency. The issue is extremely critical,” Amoako stated.

Meanwhile, Lawra MP Bede Ziedeng has called on NADMO, the Regional Coordinating Council, and the Lawra Municipal Assembly to urgently supply life jackets to communities located along the Black Volta.

“I appeal to NADMO and other authorities to assist Lawra SHS and the grieving families,” Ziedeng said.

He also pledged to donate ten life jackets personally and urged Parliament to take swift legislative measures to prevent further loss of life.

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