President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana disclosed that GH¢80 million, part of a GH¢220 million fund promised by the government, has been released by the Ministry of Finance. This substantial financial injection is aimed at bolstering the rehabilitation efforts for communities ravaged by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam. The spillage, which occurred last year, necessitated emergency measures to preserve the dam’s structural integrity, unfortunately leading to widespread flooding across downstream communities in the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta Regions.
The President underscored the government’s unwavering dedication to assisting those impacted by the floods, acknowledging the extensive displacement and disruption caused by the controlled release of water from the dam. This preemptive action was crucial in managing the Akosombo reservoir’s rising water levels but had the unintended consequence of inundating several communities and displacing thousands of residents.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) initiated the spillage from both the Akosombo and Kpong dams in September 2023, a decision driven by the critical need to manage the dam’s water inflow and levels effectively. The resultant flooding affected numerous districts, including North, Central, and South Tongu, Asuogyaman, Shai Osudoku, and Ada, leading to the displacement of close to 15,000 people across the affected regions.
In response to this disaster, the Ghanaian government earmarked GH¢220 million within the 2024 budget to support the flood victims and aid in the rehabilitation of the devastated communities. Despite these commitments, criticisms arose regarding the pace and transparency of the government’s relief efforts. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Member of Parliament for North Tongu, vocalized concerns over the delay in concrete actions and the inadequacy of temporary shelters for the displaced populations, especially with the changing seasons.
The commissioning of housing units for 300 victims marks a significant step towards addressing the immediate needs of those affected, yet the call for more substantial and swift action remains. President Akufo-Addo reassured the nation and the victims of the floods that the government is fully committed to restoring normalcy to their lives and livelihoods, emphasizing the importance of rebuilding the communities and ensuring the well-being of all impacted individuals.
