The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) of Gomoa East, Margaret Naana Ackom, has pledged possible compensation for rice farmers affected by a bridge spillage at Gomoa Okyereko in the Central Region.
Madam Ackom said this in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, expressing sadness over the loss of livelihoods.
The MCE stated that she had visited the farms and confirmed that about 73 acres of rice had been completely destroyed.
“They were looking forward to harvesting in about two to three weeks, but this unfortunate incident has happened. There is nothing to salvage, and all the farmers can do now is go there and cry,” she said.
Over 100 acres of rice farms have been submerged and destroyed following the opening of a temporary bridge blockage by a contractor working on the dualization of the Kasoa-Winneba Highway.
The aggrieved farmers lamented that the contractor blocked the River Ayensu to facilitate the bridge construction but failed to notify them before reopening the channel.
However, the MCE indicated that the National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) is currently assessing the cause of the destruction, and their report will inform the next course of action.
“We visited the farm with NIB officials on Monday, and I’m hoping to receive a report by the close of day. Then we’ll explore how best we can assist the farmers,” she added.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Rice Farmers Association, Clement Kwame Ofori, commended Madam Ackom for her swift intervention and pledge to provide relief.
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