Hundreds Left Without Mattresses After Dam Spillage in Ghana

A dam spillage in Ghana has displaced thousands of people and left hundreds without mattresses to sleep on, according to a local news report. The spillage was caused by heavy rainfall that increased the water levels of the Akosombo and Kpong dams, forcing the Volta River Authority to release excess water from September 15, 2023.

The affected areas include the districts of North, Central, and South Tongu in the Volta Region, and the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region. Some communities along the Volta River have been submerged or cut off by the floods, while others have been evacuated to safe havens such as schools and churches.

One of the safe havens is the St. Kizito Senior High School in Mepe, where a nine-member committee is overseeing the operations. The committee’s chairman, Mr. Amanatey Dusi, told Class News that out of the 536 victims currently at the school, only 83 have mattresses, while the rest have to sleep on clothes, blankets, or the bare floor. He said this situation was unfair and appealed to the authorities and donors to provide more mattresses, especially for the physically challenged victims.

He also expressed concern about some community members who joined the camp to benefit from relief items meant for the real victims. He urged the traditional leaders, the district assembly, and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) to intervene and ensure a fair distribution of relief items.

Meanwhile, NADMO has said that it is working with other agencies to provide humanitarian assistance to the affected people. It has also advised the public to avoid the flooded areas and adhere to safety precautions.

The spillage of the Akosombo dam is not a new phenomenon, as it has occurred several times in the past due to climatic changes and rainfall patterns. However, this year’s spillage has been described as one of the worst in recent history, affecting more than 31,000 people as of October 21, 2023.

The Volta River Authority has said that it will continue to monitor the water levels and adjust the spillage rate accordingly. It has also assured the public that the spillage does not pose any threat to the integrity of the dams or the power supply. As the spillage continues, the affected people are hoping for a swift recovery and a lasting solution to the perennial problem.

Source: [Ghana Web]