The Member of Parliament for North Tongu and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that validation and confirmation processes have been completed, paving the way for the payment of compensation to victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage.
According to him, disbursement of funds is set to begin in the coming days to compensate individuals who lost property and livelihoods during the flood disaster.
Speaking to journalists, Mr. Ablakwa said compensation was a key promise made to the people of North Tongu, and that President Akufo-Addo is committed to fulfilling that promise.
He disclosed that GHS 224 million has been allocated for disbursement this year.
In September 2023, the spillage of the Akosombo Dam caused catastrophic flooding across parts of the Eastern, Volta, and Greater Accra regions. The disaster displaced thousands of residents and destroyed homes, farmlands, and livelihoods. Experts say the impact extended beyond physical damage, leaving victims with lasting emotional trauma.
An estimated 35,857 people, including women and children, were affected by the floods.
Mr. Ablakwa, who had earlier petitioned the Speaker of Parliament to advocate for compensation, emphasized that the disaster was worsened by the lack of adequate notice to affected communities. He also advocated for government intervention to provide shelter and social amenities for the displaced.
In response, the MP partnered with private entities to construct homes for victims who had spent nearly two years living in tents.
Mr. Ablakwa also announced that the North Tongu District will benefit from major road infrastructure development under the government’s Big Push Agenda.
Speaking at Aveyime, he said several deplorable road networks in the district have been captured under the initiative, which is expected to bring significant relief to residents and motorists.
Source: Ohene Amponsah
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