Tensions have erupted in Bimbilla, within the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region, over the distribution of relief items meant for farmers impacted by recent floods and dry spells.
The government, in partnership with the World Bank, had provided the items to aid affected farmers. However, the distribution process has sparked controversy, with reports of political party supporters looting the supplies in some districts.
In Bimbilla, the distribution has been split along political lines, with members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) receiving separate portions.
The situation escalated when Progressive People’s Party (PPP) parliamentary candidate, Attah Suale, arrived at the warehouse with his supporters, insisting on collecting his party’s share. He was denied access, leading to his public frustration, which he expressed during an interview with Channel One News.
“I got wind that some two political parties, namely the NPP and the NDC, have ganged up to distribute the rice that was meant for flood-affected victims. This time around, they have betrayed the normalcy of the way the whole thing was supposed to be distributed.
“The NPP and the NDC sat down to share in equal ratio the number of rice that is supposed to go to all the people. I belong to a registered political party. If political parties are sharing, why are they taking out the PPP?”
The Municipal Chief Executive for Nanumba North, Abdulai Yaqoub, explained to Channel One News that, due to the reported looting in other areas, a committee was established in Bimbilla to oversee the distribution.
The relief items are being allocated among the NPP, NDC, the Nanumba Youth Association, the Traditional Council, and security personnel.
According to the MCE, the NDC has already received their share of 350 bags of rice, while the NPP is currently in the process of loading its portion.
