A visit to the site by Adom News revealed that weeds and shrubs have overtaken several unfinished buildings, some of which already show cracks — despite being intended as a lifeline for hundreds of affected residents.

These houses were part of a government initiative under the previous NPP administration to resettle victims of the 2023 Mepe floods, which displaced thousands and destroyed livelihoods following the Akosombo Dam spillage. Months after construction began, work has stalled, leaving the project in limbo.

It would be recalled that on March 26, 2024, the then Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, cut sod for the construction of resettlement houses in the North Tongu District (Mepe) to relocate victims of the disaster. The project followed the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA), which submerged communities and displaced close to 15,000 people in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions.

At the sod-cutting ceremony, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah explained that the relocation plan was informed by data collected by NADMO and other agencies, and aimed to restore dignity and provide healthier living conditions for affected residents. He assured that the project would be completed within six months, commending chiefs, elders, and local authorities for releasing land and pledging full support to the contractor.

However, when Adom News revisited the site in August 2025, the project — which started around June 2024 — had been abandoned.

Some victims, still living in temporary shelters, expressed deep frustration.

“We are still in makeshift shelters while these houses waste away in the bush. This is not fair to us,” one resident lamented.

Assemblyman for the Mepe Electoral Area, Ahorsu Amos Borlor, has called for urgent government intervention to resume construction before the buildings become completely uninhabitable. He also demanded accountability for the stalled project, describing it as a painful reminder of unfulfilled promises.

For now, the abandoned structures — swallowed by overgrown vegetation — stand as a stark symbol of neglect and a daily reminder of the ongoing suffering of the Mepe flood victims.

Source: Odehyeba Owusu Job

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The committee, which presented its findings on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, identified systemic gaps in flood mitigation and called for policy reforms to prevent future crises.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) had initiated controlled spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams between September 15 and October 30, 2023, citing rising water levels that threatened the structural integrity of the dams.

This resulted in widespread flooding and the displacement of communities along the Volta River.

The spillage, while necessary to protect the dam, caused significant disruption to livelihoods, properties, and infrastructure.

An estimated 38,624 people were displaced, losing homes, belongings, and livelihoods, with Mepe, Battor, Sogakope Mafi, Adidome, Kpong and Ada being significantly impacted.

The government provided relief items and supported rescue efforts, with VRA and NADMO coordinating the response.

Two years on, President Mahama addressed the nation as part of his 120-day social contract progress update, confirming that compensation for victims is being processed, with initial payments expected soon.

The government is expected to release a detailed action plan based on the committee’s findings, with a focus on preventive policies and victim support.

The spillage exposed vulnerabilities in Ghana’s disaster response. This report marks a crucial step toward accountability and reform, ensuring better protection for vulnerable communities.

The investigation revealed several key findings regarding the spillage detailed below:

1.        Factors that determine water spillage from the dam include reservoir elevation, rainfall and energy output from the power plant.

2.        The Akosombo Dam recorded a maximum water inflow of 477,984 cubic feet per second (cfs) on September 18, 2023, at the Akosombo hydrometric station.

3.        The 2023 Spill occurred between September 15 and October 30, 2023. The total volume of water discharged from the spillway was approximately 8 Million Acre Feet (MAF) for 46 days.

4.        Historical spillage exercises have shown that in 1968, the volume was 5 times the volume spilled in 2023, indicating that there could be larger volumes of spill in the future due to climate change uncertainties.

5.        Examination of Events Leading to Spillage: The spillage was primarily caused by releasing approximately 8 MAF volumes of water from the Akosombo Dam to prevent the dam’s destruction (overtopping) due to high reservoir water levels. Other contributing factors included unprecedented rainfall due to climate change and human activities exacerbating flood risks. Breaching the dam could have resulted in a catastrophic chain of events in the country.

6.        VRA’s Emergency Preparedness Plan (EPP): The EPP specifies the roles and responsibilities of all stakeholders, including VRA, NADMO, District Assemblies, Security Agencies, etc., when an emergency occurs. The EPP was used to manage the disaster caused by the spillage and was the most technical document to be understood by various non-technical stakeholders. While VRA had socialised the document with all stakeholders and conducted a simulation exercise for some selected communities before the spill, high turnout and divisions amongst some District Chief Executives (DCEs)/Metropolitan Chief Executives (MCEs) and Members of Parliament (MPs) could have derailed clear communication lines for implementing the plan and distribution of relief items.

7.        Assessment of Actions Taken: The response involved various government agencies, including the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the National Disaster

Management Organisation (NADMO). While there were efforts to provide immediate assistance, gaps in communication, resource allocation, and community engagement were identified.

8.        Challenges Encountered: The Committee noted operational challenges, such as a lack of local disaster preparedness plans and inadequate evacuation resources, that hampered the emergency response process. Communication breakdowns and skepticism among community members regarding the information provided by authorities further complicated response efforts.

9.        Community Challenges: The Committee also noted that land tenure attachment by the people, economic reliance on location, fear of unpredictability, insufficient financial resources and support from Authorities, restricted housing options, historical precedence of spillage and cultural resistance were factors that made most affected people unwilling to relocate during the spill event.

10.      Temporal accommodation: The Committee noted with concern that some affected persons were still housed in tents, at the mercy of the weather, refusing to relocate to temporary accommodation built by VRA. They cited a lack of privacy as families were required to share rooms.

11.      Resettlement: Some Government-initiated resettlement projects are far from the people’s previous abode. The people lament that their opinions were not sought in selecting the sites for the resettlement, and therefore, have refused to relocate and are requesting that the resettlement project be halted as the objective is not served.

12.      Compensation: Since the spillage occurred, in communities upstream and downstream, the affected people in these communities have not been adequately compensated for the devastating impact the floods had on their properties and source of livelihoods. Some also expressed displeasure that though they suffered and continue to suffer the direct effects of the dam, they were not compensated when the Akosombo dam was built.

13.      Evaluation of Strategies: The strategies employed to manage the situation revealed short-term and long-term effectiveness. However, improvements were necessary in community education and disaster management protocols.

14.      Proposals for Additional Measures: To mitigate future risks, recommendations were made for enhancing emergency response protocols, improving community engagement, and implementing stricter land use regulations.

15.      Communities Upstream: Several communities located upstream of the dam experienced significant flooding, resulting in the submersion of homes and

farmland. The rising water levels inundated large portions of agricultural land, leading to the loss of crops and threatening the livelihoods of affected farmers.

This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to managing the environmental impact and ensuring the safety and well-being of affected communities.

The committee, chaired by Ing. Kirk Koffi, has been tasked with examining the events leading to the spillage, assessing the extent of the response to the flooding, identifying affected areas and challenges encountered during the process, and evaluating the strategies adopted to address the impact.

Additionally, both immediate and long-term measures are expected to be recommended to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

During the inauguration, Mr Jinapor emphasised the importance of a coordinated response to mitigate the effects of the flooding on affected individuals. “If there ought to be compensation, how does the government go about it?” he quizzed

. He highlighted the need for sustainable planning and flood management strategies and urged key stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, and environmental experts, to provide the committee with relevant information to aid its work.

Mr Jinapor further assured the committee of his full support in carrying out its assignment effectively. In response, the committee chair, Ing. Kirk Koffi, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to undertake such a crucial task and assured the minister of their commitment to delivering on their mandate.

Other committee members include Mr. Kwame Jantuah, Ing. Kofi Ellis, Ing. Kwaku Akosa, and Ms. Georgette Emefa Fugah, Esq. (secretary).

The inauguration of the committee reflects a proactive government approach to addressing the challenges of flooding, demonstrating a commitment to improving the living conditions of victims and ensuring community protection.

The committee has been given a period of one month to complete its work.

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The anniversary of the disaster, marked by a gathering at the Degorme camp in Mepe, underscored the glaring gaps in disaster management and recovery efforts.

Despite occasional visits by government officials, tangible support remains absent. Over 200 individuals still live in makeshift shelters, battling exposure to harsh weather and health risks.

The MDA’s expenditure of over GH₵100,000 on camp maintenance is a testament to the community’s resilience but also highlights the absence of state intervention.

The Member of Parliament for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, is leading efforts to seek legal redress. His initiative raises questions about governmental accountability and the mechanisms in place for disaster compensation.

The community’s demands, including compensation, housing, and psychological support, are not extraordinary—they are basic expectations in the wake of such disasters. The lack of response points to systemic inefficiencies that need urgent attention.

The disaster has reignited calls for a comprehensive national policy on disaster management. Stakeholders argue that such policies must prioritise prevention, swift response, and adequate post-disaster support.

Mepe’s proactive steps—conducting detailed data collection, maintaining the Degorme camp, and initiating vocational training projects—set an example of grassroots resilience. However, such efforts cannot replace the need for robust state action.

As Mepe remembers its darkest hour, the question lingers: Will the government rise to the occasion, or will the cries of displaced people fade into oblivion?

Chairman of the Mepe Development Association (MDA), Fabian Mawulenu Kojo, in his speech, highlighted the lingering struggles of the affected and the perceived failure of state intervention.

He said the government and its allied agencies should adequately and properly engage the Mepe Development Association, the traditional council and all other relevant stakeholders within the locality in all its engagements for the successful implementation of any of its intended interventions.

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The spillage, which occurred in September 2023, displaced thousands of residents in the Lower Volta Basin and severely damaged farmlands and livelihoods.

Speaking at a victory walk organized by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in his constituency, Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for the rights of those affected.

He stressed that the government’s promised compensation must be honoured, and his fight for justice would not stop until the victims receive their due compensation.

Ablakwa underscored the devastating impact of the disaster, calling on the government to take urgent action to provide relief to those who have lost their homes and livelihoods.

“I have assured my constituents that we will not abandon them. We will ensure that all victims of the VRA’s spillage are fully compensated,” he said.

“We are pursuing legal action to compel the Akufo-Addo-Bawumia government to fulfill its responsibilities. We will not rest until my constituents receive the compensation they deserve,” he added.

Source: Adomonline

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This is according to a policy brief by Col. Festus Aboagye (Rtd), which suggests deep-seated vulnerabilities in Ghana’s disaster management framework, along with a critical lack of foresight, preparation, and coordinated action.

The policy brief, which used the Akosombo Dam spillage as a case study, highlighted the urgent need for a complete overhaul of Ghana’s approach to disaster preparedness and response.

Titled “From National Asset to National Ignominy: Ghana’s Akosombo Dam Disaster Exposes Government Negligence and Civil Society’s Heroic Response,” the brief revealed a demand for a paradigm shift in disaster management.

According to the brief, although the spillage was controlled, it still managed to cause extensive damage to communities in the Lower Volta Area, impacting North Tongu, South Tongu, Central Tongu, and other districts.

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Read policy brief:

Members of Parliament in affected communities are up in arms against the inter-ministerial committee set up by President Akufo-Addo.

According to North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa although the committee was established to alleviate the suffering of their people after nearly a year, nothing has been done.

“We don’t want this to be hidden from you. We have said that if government does not do something about compensation, we have spoken to our lawyers, we are headed to court because it is our right. So, we don’t want to hide this from you.

“If in the next few weeks, because next month will be the first anniversary,we have met and said that if by the first anniversary we don’t get strong indication, we don’t see actually the first group of people receiving compensation then we have no choice to resort to the court for class action,” he said.

He was speaking during a stakeholder hearing on the disaster on August 26.

Source: Myjoyonline

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Following the spillage, the government allocated GH¢200 million to the Ministry for resettling those affected.

During a stakeholder engagement on the issue, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Rev. Stephen Yaw Osei, requested an additional GH¢200 million to cover consultancy fees and land compensation as part of the ongoing resettlement efforts.

He noted that, the total projected cost for the project is GH¢600 million, emphasizing that the Ministry requires the full amount to complete the resettlement within a year.

If the project extends to two or three years, he added, an additional GH¢200 million per year will be needed.

He further stressed that the Ministry is prioritizing the affected homes and is actively seeking the necessary funds to expedite the resettlement process.

“We projected about 600 million cedis to do the project, but currently we have 200 million cedis. So if you have to do it in a year, it means that we need 600 million to be released for the resettlement process.”

“If it’s going to be two years, that means that we need an additional 200 to make it four so that we can fast-track it and do it in two years. If it is to be three years more, then we need 200 million every year. So we are asking for additional funds if we have to do it in a year. We have the numbers and the prioritised homes to be revealed.”

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The committee, established by the Speaker of Parliament, is chaired by Sulemana Adamu Sanid and includes members Emmanuel Kwesi Bedzrah, Helen Adzoa Ntoso, Dr Kwabena Donkor, Dr Marfo Emmanuel, Francisca Oteng-Mensah, and Ing. Kennedy Kludjeson.

Their mandate is to gather firsthand information on the devastation caused by the spillage and to evaluate the preparedness and response efforts of the Volta River Authority and other relevant agencies.

The committee began its tour with a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, signalling the gravity of their mission and their commitment to addressing the crisis. This visit marked the start of an extensive engagement with key stakeholders across the region.

The fact-finding tour included visits to the North Tongu, South Tongu, and Central Tongu districts, where the committee met with District Chief Executives, Members of Parliament, traditional leaders, Assembly members, and other opinion leaders. These discussions were essential in understanding the local context and the specific challenges faced by the affected communities.

During their visit, the committee inspected several camps, including Degorme Camp, Dodzi Camp, and Agbetikpo, where victims displaced by the spillage are currently housed in tents. The dire conditions observed in these camps underscored the severity of the crisis and the ongoing hardships endured by the displaced residents.

The committee’s mandate also includes evaluating the preparedness and response actions taken by the Volta River Authority and other agencies involved in managing the disaster. The findings from these assessments will inform the committee’s recommendations to Parliament, aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future or mitigating their impact.

At a meeting in the North Tongu Assembly, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Member of Parliament for the area, raised serious concerns about utility agencies disconnecting electricity and water supplies to the camps, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by the displaced residents.

Helen Adzoa Ntoso, the Member of Parliament for Krachi West, also highlighted the plight of vulnerable groups, including women, children, and pregnant women, emphasizing the need for immediate interventions to safeguard their well-being.

Gabby Alexander Hottordze, the Member of Parliament for Central Tongu, contributed to the discussions, drawing attention to additional issues requiring urgent action.

Following the tour, committee chairman Sulemana Adamu Sanid expressed confidence in the information gathered, assuring that the committee would make well-informed recommendations to Parliament.

These recommendations are expected to guide future actions to avert or minimize the impact of similar disasters, ultimately ensuring better protection for communities in the lower Volta basin.

The committee, chaired by the Member of Parliament for Ahafo Ano North, Suleman Adamu Sanid, began its mission in the Oti Region before proceeding to the three Tongu districts in the Volta Region, where the spillage has caused significant devastation.

During the tour, the committee paid a visit to the Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yaw Letsa, to discuss the progress of their investigation and seek the support of the regional authorities. Dr Letsa welcomed the committee and commended them for their commitment to the investigation.

He expressed confidence in their ability to conduct a thorough and objective inquiry, stating, “I believe that your work will lead to meaningful outcomes that will help the country better prepare for any future occurrences.”

The committee, led by Chairman Suleman Adamu Sanid, is tasked with assessing the extent of the damage caused by the spillage and investigating the factors that led to the incident.

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Among other tasks, the committee will make recommendations, and if the House is satisfied with these, they will be forwarded to the Executive to ensure the safety of the citizenry.

The Committee will be chaired by Alhassan Sanid and will include five other Members of Parliament, along with a technical member.

Announcing the Committee in Parliament, Speaker, Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin said they cannot remain idle in the face of a disaster that has left residents destitute and caused havoc to property in over 32 constituencies along the Volta Lake.

He added that, the investigation aims to uncover the truth and provide justice to the affected communities.

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In an interview with Adom News, he recalled the destructive impact of last year’s spillage on island residents in the Central Tongu district and expressed frustration over the lack of resettlement and compensation for those affected.

“I nearly cried after hearing about the planned spillage. Last year’s spillage was devastating, and yet, the government and the VRA have failed to address the settlement of the flood victims” Togbe Sakpiti V said.

Despite a precautionary spillage workshop organized on July 11, Togbe Sakpiti V lamented that the government, through the VRA, failed to address the settlement of the flood victims.

“The impact on our communities has been severe, and the lack of action to resettle and compensate those who lost their homes and businesses is unacceptable,” he stated.

Togbe Sakpiti V called for urgent government attention and support from industry players to prioritize the welfare of the residents ahead of the spillage.

“We need immediate action to ensure that our people are safe and their livelihoods are protected,” he urged.

Residents of Avadiokome also voiced their concerns in interviews with Adom News, expressing fear and anxiety over the potential impact of the planned spillage.

“We are terrified of what might happen,” one resident said. “Last year, we lost everything, and we cannot go through that again” he added.

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These items were distributed to people in the safe havens at Mepe, Battor, Tokpo, and Bakpa in the North Tongu, Shia-Osudoku, and Central Tongu districts.

The donation included 300 bags of maize, 200 bags of gari, 150 bags of beans, 300 bags of rice, 150 boxes of oil, and 100 boxes of mackerel.

Benjamin Arhin Sackey, Director for Environment and Sustainable Development, presented the items to the District Chief Executive on behalf of the Chief Executive of VRA.

He emphasised the VRA’s dedication to the well-being of those impacted by the spillage, stating that VRA will continue to work with NADMO, District Assemblies, and response agencies to support the affected individuals.

Divine Osborn Fenu, the North Tongu District Chief Executive, expressed gratitude for VRA’s continuous support.

He affirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring all affected individuals fully recover.

Mr Seji Saji, Deputy Director General (Technical & Reforms) at NADMO, noted that some people are still in safe havens and the donated items will support them until their livelihoods and properties are fully restored.

He mentioned that the Ministry of Works and Housing is building resettlement facilities in some affected areas.

“We hope these buildings will be finished in the shortest possible time so those in the safe havens can be accommodated to resume their full lives,” he said.

Mr Seji also highlighted that the Ministries of Food and Agriculture are providing seedlings and fertilizers to help restore livelihoods, with more interventions planned for complete recovery.

The team visited the safe havens, and NADMO distributed the donated items to the affected individuals.

Although the Authority is yet to announce a date for the spillage, it says plans are underway to engage about 40 relevant stakeholders.

This was contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Chief Executive in Charge of Services, Ing. Ken Arthur.

“This precautionary measure is crucial to maintaining the structural integrity of the dam and ensuring the safety of our communities,” it said.

The statement noted the stakeholders include the Minister for the Interior and all the assemblies within the dam’s catchment areas. We propose to engage you and the relevant team to discuss the potential implications, mitigative measures and information dissemination” it added.

In September 2023, the Volta River Authority released excess water from the Akosombo Hydro Dam.

This caused flooding and damaged approximately 39,000 homes and livelihoods for individuals residing in the lower Volta basin.

Although Mr. Ablakwa and other stakeholders have built a number of homes to house some families, the government has not officially commenced relocation projects for the residents.

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The initiative, scheduled to commence on May 30, 2024, aims to ensure that all eligible voters can participate in the upcoming general election without hindrance.

Acknowledging the hardships and economic losses faced by the affected individuals, the EC has pledged its solidarity and support, aligning with the stance of Hon. Fiifi Kwetey of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

During a press conference on Thursday, May 16, Mr. Kwetey called for swift and compassionate action from the EC, noting that it is a demand, not a plea.

By offering free replacement of voter ID cards, the Electoral Commission aims to alleviate the burden on affected individuals and facilitate their participation in the electoral process.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to upholding the democratic rights of all citizens and ensuring equitable access to the electoral process.

As preparations for the upcoming General Election continue, the Electoral Commission say it remains dedicated to ensuring a fair, transparent, and accessible voting experience for all.

In a fresh development, the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) has absolved itself of any blame, insisting it provided accurate and timely forecasts to the Volta River Authority (VRA).

Fresh pressure is mounting on the government to probe the Akosombo Dam disaster following the airing of Joy News Hotline documentary “AFTER THE FLOODS.”

The VRA opened the floodgates of the Akosombo Dam in September 2023, affecting about 39,000 Ghanaians downstream. Six months after the disaster, victims who continue to reel under very harsh conditions are demanding answers.

Member of Parliament for North Tongu Constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is disappointed that six months after the disaster, no probe has been launched to establish what went wrong to curtail a recurrence.

“Those who were negligent, those who shirked their responsibilities and caused us all of this pain, this devastation, and this catastrophe must be brought to book. The presidency, did this go to the cabinet, did the cabinet give the green light, what did they check before they gave the green light? We need to know.”

Meanwhile, there is a war of words between the Volta River Authority (VRA) and the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) over who should be blamed for the disaster.

The GMet is furious that the Volta River Authority is trying to blame the disaster on its forecast. Speaking to journalists in Akosombo days after opening the floodgates, the VRA said it based its spill decision on the forecast data provided by the GMet.

“We depend on the Ghana Meteorological Agency for forecasts because the water that comes, it comes through rainfall. At the time, the forecast gave the indication that we were not supposed to expect too much water into the reservoir. The same GMet now issues a new and updated forecast that the situation has changed and we should expect a lot of rain going forward.”

The then Deputy Minister of Energy Herbert Krapah, also confirmed that the VRA’s decision was based on updated forecasts from the GMet.

“They relied on expected information from the meteorological agency. That changed and that changed the course of things.”

But the head of central analysis and forecasts at the GMET, Felicity Ahafianyo, vehemently disagrees, insisting adequate data was provided ahead of time to the VRA.

“Our forecasts did not change, the documents are all there, and it’s a public document. Whatever we send to them is also made available online and you can pick it and read it. Last year, the seasonal forecast came out on the 10th of March 2023 in the presence of the media and other stakeholders. This document was sent to the VRA.”

She added “The forecasts for last year predicted that some areas are going to experience above rainfall for the 2023 seasons and the minor too when it was out, it was also having the same indicators that most areas are likely to have above the normal rainy season that we know, of which it was communicated to the VRA. In this particular case, we cannot be blamed for that.”
The government is yet to launch a formal probe into the disaster that affected the lives of about 39,000 Ghanaians.

Victims say they are not certain as to what the government intends to do regarding resettlement and compensations. About a month ago, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) held an after-review technical session on the disaster with key stakeholders including the VRA. That report is yet to be made public as victims continue to reel under very harsh conditions aftermath.

Togbe Nego’s request followed the visit by the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah to break grounds for the construction of resettlement houses for the affected flood victims of the Akosombo and Kpong Dam spillage.

Togbe Kwesi Nego noted that, when the river defense wall is erected, it will help mitigate the risk of future flooding in the area.

The Amankralo also appealed for rehabilitation of town roads which has been destroyed by the floods.

He stated that, though the Sector Minister is not in charge of road construction, he could lobbying for it to be done.

Togbe Kwesi Nego also indicated that, Mepe town needs a proper drainage system and they would be very happy if the Mr. Oppong Nkrumah would help them.

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Several communities in North Tongu were affected by the flood caused by the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA).

The flooding submerged the communities and displayed close to 15,000 people in the Volta, Eastern, and Greater Accra Regions.

On Monday, March 25, 2024, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, cut sod for construction to begin on a housing project to relocate a good number of the 12,000 North Tongu, Central Tongu, and South Tongu constituents affected by the flood.

He said the resettlement for the affected victims is a result of data collection by NADMO and other agencies which deemed it necessary to construct the resettlement homes.

He commended the MMDCEs, chiefs and elders for releasing land for the resettlement.

The Minister assured the residents that, the lead contractor would come to the site to do proper clearing of the land and begin the week as soon as possible to complete it in record time.

Speaking in an interview with Adom News correspondent Odehyeba Owusu Job, Mr. Oppong Nkrumah, explained that the relocation will begin to restore the dignity of the people of North Tongu and ensure they live in much healthier conditions.

He also appealed to the District Assembly and the traditional leaders who will be the beneficiaries to give their maximum support to the contractor to help complete the project on time.

The project is expected to be completed in six months.

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This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Aquaculture, Jacob Adzikah.

According to him, the Chamber has engaged the government on different levels for support but there has not been support for any of the victims.

“The affected farmers haven’t received any support. Most of the affected farmers are on their own at the moment. They have to source for their funds to recover from this [spillage]. We’re hoping that through collaborations with our stakeholders, a lot of attention will be drawn to the aquaculture industry”.

“In terms of number of farmers, we projected over 896. But in terms of figures, the overall impact of the dam spillage was GH¢54,867,000,” he added.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Farmed Blue Food Festival, Mr. Adzikah indicated that hundreds of Ghana’s cage fish farmers are still counting their losses and some farms had to shut down as a result.

“Once again, we’re still appealing to the government to come to the aid of these farmers because most of them couldn’t recover from this which has led to a lot of young men and women losing their source of livelihoods. They are unemployed at the moment because the farms they worked for have shut down,” he appealed.

In Ghana, the aquaculture industry plays a vital role in the nation’s economy. As consumers become more discerning, there is a growing need for transparent information about the products they purchase, particularly in terms of health, safety, and sustainability. It is for this reason the Chamber of Aquaculture organised the Farmed Blue Food Festival under the Blue Food Partnership Ghana Initiative.

The overall Lead of the Blue Food Partnership from the World Economic Forum, Karen Demavivas said, “It’s been very important and gratifying to us that the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development and the Fisheries Commission are very supportive of this work. We cannot do anything without the enabling environment for a more productive and resilient sector”.

“It is important to add that we need more knowledge sharing across and also break silos to get to a point where we can more sustainably grow aquaculture and create a brighter future for the sector in Ghana”. 

The Farmed Blue Food Festival is sponsored by the Blue Food Partnership Ghana Initiative led by the World Economic Forum in partnership with the Chamber of Aquaculture Ghana with the global technical support of FUTUREFISH.

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Questions arose regarding the effectiveness of the data-sharing system between the GMA and the Volta River Authority (VRA) following the incident.

However, Eric Asuman, the Director-General of the Agency, defended the GMA, stating that they had provided the VRA with the necessary rainfall data.

Mr Asuman said the GMA’s forecast had indicated above-normal rainfall, giving sufficient time for preparation and precautionary measures to be taken.

“Our forecast indicated that we were going to have an above-normal forecast. That was early enough for anybody to watch and be prepared and take the necessary precautions. It couldn’t have been the fact that GMA didn’t give them information. We did, and the news came that we were being blamed. If you talk to the right people at VRA, they will tell you that couldn’t have been the problem of GMA,” he said.

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The river-borne tropical disease, also known as bilharzia, holds a significant share in causes of infertility and maternal morbidity, although registered among neglected tropical diseases (NTDs).

Mr Ben Sackey, the Director, Environmental and Sustainable Development Department of the Volta River Authority (VRA), said schistosomiasis was a “major challenge” that came with the spillage of the dam, and is now feared dominant in over 400 communities in five regions sharing the Volta Basin.

The Director was delivering an address at a symposium in Ho to mark the 2024 World NTDs Awareness Day.

He said the evading floods from the spillage carried along aquatic weeds bearing snails that carried the schisto worms.

“With the flood waters was the movement of the water weeds which harbours the schisto snail vector. What it means is that the weeds could now find themselves, in communities where hitherto, were not there.”

Speaking on plans for the control of post spillage, Mr. Sackey noted the inception of a baseline study on the spread of infection, which was being undertaken by the University of Health and Allied Sciences under an MoU with the VRA.

He said the provision of sanitary facilities including drinking water for affected communities was being sustained, while partnerships with the health authority continued to enable mass drug administration in hundreds of lakeside communities.

Projects including the dredging of the lower Volta are expected to take off soon, and the Director spoke of “a recent partnership” with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the KNUST to develop economic value for aquatic weeds.

Professor Morhe, Head of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at UHAS, said the waterborne tropical infection was first reported in 1899 in Egypt, and presently remains “the most neglected gynaecological condition in sub-saharan Africa”, affecting over 50 per cent of females.

He noted increased risk among women and girls in underdeveloped countries, counting an estimated 56 million in Africa south of the Sahara.

Blood flukes, known as the trematode worms, are parasites, and which Prof Morhe said could retain a lifespan of more than 40 years in a human host.

Common complications include infertility, ectopic pregnancies, preterm and underdeveloped babies, and HIV.

Prof Emmanuel Morhe said the release of inflammatory cells by the parasites attacked all foreign protein in the female fertility organs including fertilised ovaries, thereby affecting the menstrual cycle and ovulation.

He said a study conducted in eleven communities in the Volta basin showed that 36.21 per cent of the 400 women surveyed had the disease and was prevalent within the age brackets of adult teens and young adults.

Prof. Morhe added that the number of affected persons in the Volta basin remained unknown, and that stakeholders should consider disease prevention efforts including an end to open defecation and urination which infested water bodies with the parasites.

Dr. Alfred Kwesi Manyeh, a senior research fellow at UHAS, and an NTD expert who is leading the UHAS-VRA baseline study, said data so far, showed a culture of heavy dependence on the infested river.

He said although women less frequented the water body as compared to men, certain economic activities such as weaving, which sourced raw materials from the river, increased contact with the disease vectors.

Dr. Manyeh said the study was bringing to the fore, the issue of inadequate water supply, a lack of social mobilisation and sensitisation on mass drug administrations, lack of stakeholder engagement on the various interventions, and the fear of adverse drug reactions.

The symposium was on the theme “Addressing the Burden of Schistosomiasis and the Related Conditions in Ghana Towards Achievement of the 2023 Road Map” and was attended by stakeholders including heads of the Volta Regional Health Directorate, and various health experts.

A route march through the streets of Ho and Hohoe was held a day prior to raise community awareness to the NTDs, of which Schistosomiasis remains a dreaded member.

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Participating in a panel discussion on the Africa Leadership Initiative West Africa (ALIWA) on Thursday, January 25, Mr Bentil emphasized the need for a thorough examination of the spillage incident to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

According to Bentil, the Akosombo dam spillage cannot be dismissed lightly, considering the evident catastrophic failure that led to flooding, displacing thousands of people.

He pointed out that both the Meteorological Service and the Volta River Authority (VRA) had warning systems in place, raising questions about why the incident occurred despite these precautions.

“The dam does not fail overnight, it fails over many days, the Meteo service was working, and they gave the warnings, VRA itself has better systems than the Meteo systems, by which it can check. So if a dam fails over many days and there are significant warning systems, and there are multiple institutions, and it’s a Volta River Authority and in law, that [Authority] means a lot.”

“We need to ask questions as to why this happened and get to the bottom of why it happened because if the best of our best has failed then what is going on with the rest?” he questioned.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, Mr Bentil urged Parliament to conduct a thorough probe into the spillage.

He emphasized that the flooding was not a natural disaster but a result of deliberate actions, where someone initiated the release of water, despite the awareness of people downstream, hence calling for an enquiry to unravel what happened.

“This flooding was not natural, somebody pressed the bottom, and opened floodgates, knowing there were people downstream and flooded the place. Yes, you are saying [it was done] to save the dam but how did we get to that point, if the dam broke there would be worse problems, but should we ever get to that point where we have to choose between saving a dam and risking human lives? We need to ask questions and I think Parliament should get into this.”

The discussion was on the theme “Building Resilience: A Socio-Economic Response to Natural Disasters.”

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This was revealed by the US Ambassador to Ghana, Virginia Evelyn Palmer at Battor in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region when she visited some of the impacted towns to gain first-hand knowledge of the situation.

The Ambassador interacted with flood survivors, including teachers, parents, students, the chiefs and queens of the areas, and was impressed by their deep bravery and resilience in the face of adversity.

She also met with government officials and the Member of Parliament (MP) of the area to discuss sustainable ways of supporting these communities and expressed solidarity with the affected people, and the country.

The Ambassador was accompanied by Fiachra McAsey, the UNICEF Deputy Country Representative, Barbara Clemens, the World Food Programme, Country Director, and other officials.

Madam Palmer stated that in the face of adversity, collective dedication would light the way to recovery.

“We must stand together, united in our resolve to support you to rebuild and recover,” she said, adding that the assistance would aid in the restoration of education and learning in the impacted towns.

The Ambassador disclosed that the US donated $100,000 in October 2023, to help save lives, lessen suffering and facilitate the recovery of flood victims.

She said USAID also worked with the World Food Programme and the National Disaster Management Organisation, to set up temporary shelters, water, sanitation and hygiene services for the victims and send one-time cash donations to 700 affected families.

“Today we are scaling up that support with $500,000 of additional support, with the focus specifically, to help schools return to normalcy and for students to continue to learn. This will help restore teaching and learning in communities affected by the floods,” she said.

The Ambassador said through the Akosombo Safe Activity, USAID and UNICEF were supplying temporary school tents and necessary supplies like recreational kits and “schools-in-a-box,” which included teaching and learning materials.

Madam Palmer said the US was Ghana’s biggest bilateral development partner and the decades of collaboration had saved thousands of lives and pledged its dedication to helping the people of Ghana, particularly in times of humanitarian need.

She used the visit to donate some educational materials to the affected communities.

Barbara Clemens, the World Food Programme Country Director praised the US and the Government of Ghana for the successful collaboration and support from others in handling the crisis.

Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, the Minister for Education, said to prevent the truncation of children’s education in the affected areas, they redistributed some of them to other schools and provided them with guidance and counselling.

He said they had also carried out school health awareness campaigns aimed at ensuring that the children remained healthy to continue with their education and commended the children for their determination so far.

The Volta Regional Minister, Dr Archibald Yao Letsa, in an address delivered on his behalf by Mr Divine Osborn Fenu, the District Chief Executive for North Tongu, thanked the US Ambassador for the visit.

He expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support and collaboration between Ghana and the USA, saying the Ambassador’s visit highlighted the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations.

Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the MP of North Tongu, also commended the Ambassador for her visit and the US’s ongoing assistance to the flood-affected areas.

This response comes in the wake of severe flooding triggered by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

The generous donation included essential provisions such as bags of rice, sugar, canned foods, and other necessities.

Human Resources Manager of VRA at Techiman, Martin Sulamana officially handed over these items to representatives from the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) and the Emergency Management Committee (EMC) at the Pru East District Assembly.

In an interview with Adom News Reporter Daniel Tachie, Mr. Martin Sulamana emphasized the VRA’s commitment to providing aid and support to those impacted by the devastating flooding caused by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Upon receiving the relief items, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Pru East, Adams Abdulai, conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the VRA for their timely intervention.

He also spoke on the urgent need for additional support, especially in the form of building materials, as numerous homes have been completely destroyed by the floods.

The party was held along side a health screening to put smiles on their faces following the devastation caused by the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage.

The Over 5000 children who thronged to the resettlement site at Aveyime were treated to music, food and drinks with variety of games.

Their parents were also not left out of the fun moment.

During the health screening, some of the children were diagnosed with respiratory conditions.

He appealed for further support as efforts are ongoing to establish a second resettlement site and insisted on compensation from the government.

The MP for Krachie West, Helena Adwoa Ntonso, who graced the event said there should be a comprehensive way to find solutions to the Akosombo Dam spillage going forward.

Torgbui Hevi Borbordzi, the Mankralo of Battor also called for the construction of schools to cater for the over 6,000 children who have been displaced.

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The resettlement houses will cater to some 100 displaced victims of the Akosombo dam spillage still squatting in classrooms.

Prophet Amoateng in addition to the houses will construct a branch of his church and establish a farm to create more jobs in the community.

Member of Parliament for the constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa in an X post on Friday appreciated the prophet for his kind gesture.

“We are eternally in his debt for this extremely thoughtful and comprehensive generosity which takes care of the physical and spiritual welfare of flood victims” he said.

See post below:

I joined Prophet Daniel Amoateng of the Power of Worship International yesterday, to cut sod in my beloved constituency to commence the construction of resettlement houses for some 100 displaced persons who are still putting up in classrooms.

My good friend and brother, Prophet… pic.twitter.com/WickBaN3Eq

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) December 22, 2023

In an interview with Citi News on Thursday, the MP expressed deep concern about government’s perceived inaction, highlighting the distress faced by thousands of affected individuals months after the floods.

“What we need now really are these housing units that we are constructing. The VRA should be also constructing, If they can construct a few hundred for people, it will help. The VRA and the central government must acknowledge that there is a reason people pay taxes, there is a reason we have the contingency vote. It is for emergencies of this kind.

“And I must be honest with you, I haven’t been pleased at all. The neglect has been unconscionable. Public officials must know that they owe a duty of care, and they are not doing anybody a favour. It is an obligation, it is a must. So wherever they are, let’s just be kind to them and say that probably they are mobilising. They are just keeping too long in the mobilisation. They should hurry up and come back and get to work and resettle our people.”

“The people deserve their houses back, they deserve to be compensated, and I hope that they don’t compel me to initiate a class action in court. Because at some point we can’t continue any longer with the private initiatives.

“And if we see that the government is still negligent and derelict, we will have to commence legal action. A class action to compel the government to do the right thing. I hope that we don’t have to get there,” he said.

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GNAPS has presented a generous donation of GH₵50,000, a heartfelt offering sourced from private schools across the nation.

Undeterred by economic challenges and closures, private schools rallied to support their counterparts in the flood-affected region.

The donation comprised not only much-needed cash but also essential educational materials, including textbooks, learning kits, and more.

A distinguished delegation of GNAPS executives, led by President Professor Damasus Tuurosong, along with Volta Regional Chairman Rev. Robert K. Sedo and his team, personally delivered these contributions to the beneficiaries.

The MP for South Tongu, Kobla Mensah Wisdom Woyome, joined the delegation to extend his support and commiserate with the affected schools.

In his address, Prof. Tuurosong expressed concerns about the dire situation facing private schools and students in the flood-hit areas.

He urged the government to extend its support beyond public schools and consider the unique challenges faced by their private counterparts.

“Private schools throughout the country are struggling because parents find it difficult to make ends meet as a result of the economic challenges. A number of private schools have closed down, particularly the JHS.

“Despite these challenges, our schools still contributed their widow’s mite towards purchasing textbooks, learning kits, among others which we are presenting today. This is not just a token but a strong signal to the government that support must be extended to private schools as well. Private or public, both educate the Ghanaian child. Our side of education must not be overlooked,” he said.

Prof. Tuurosong highlighted the harsh reality that, many affected schools had their learning materials destroyed, classrooms submerged, and essential resources damaged or lost.

The flooding not only disrupted education but also left numerous children unable to attend school, prompting a plea for government intervention.

“What interventions do we have to bring back children who are no longer in schools because of the flood? What intervention do we have for the proprietors whose structures have collapsed? What intervention do we have for children whose parents are unable to pay fees?

“The income streams have been cut. Should we watch on for these schools to collapse? Should we watch on for the children to remain at home and not attend schools? We hope that the government will consider these things and work favorably towards ensuring that all children return to schools,” he added.

Mr Woyome expressed gratitude to GNAPS for their kind gesture and pledged his support in advocating for the concerns raised.

He encouraged the affected schools and students to remain resilient in the face of adversity.

One of the beneficiaries, Ernestina Agbodeka, representing affected school owners, expressed deep gratitude to GNAPS.

She called on other stakeholders to follow this noble example to enable them rebuild their schools.

GNAPS has not only offered tangible support after the dam spillage but has also ignited a flame of hope, reminding the nation that unity and compassion can transcend the darkest of times.

The story of GNAPS’ benevolence serves as an inspiring testament to the resilience and generosity within the educational community.

The two, Promise Ahorgah, a phone repairer and Kwaotse Mawuli, a building construction labourer are said to have created social media accounts in the name of MP to solicit funds on behalf of victims affected by the Akosombo and Kpong Dam Spillage.

They were arrested in December and have been remanded into the custody at the National Signals Bureau pending further investigation.

The two are on six provisional counts comprising of – two counts each of defrauding by false pretences, charlatanic advertisement and falsely pretending to be a Public Officer.

The Criminal Division of the Accra High Court presided over by Justice Lydia Osei Marfo did not take the plea of the accused person as investigations are said to be ongoing.

In Court on Friday, December 15, 2023, Watkins Adama, a State Attorney, said, “Our prayer to court is to have the accused persons remanded pending further investigations.”

The State Attorney said the prosecution did not intend to take their plea but was allowed by the Court to read the Counts, the statement of offence and the brief facts in open court.

Justice Osei Marfo, has since remanded them into lawful custody while the case was adjourned to January 9, 2024 for the plea of the accused to be taken.

directed the accused persons who had told the court that, they needed time engage the services of lawyers, to ensure that at the next sitting, they will come with their lawyers.

Brief facts

Per the brief facts of the case, the complainant in this case is the Member of Parliament for North Tongu and resident of Accra.

It states that, the first accused person is a mobile phone repairer while the 2nd accused person is a building construction labourer.

The Prosecution said, following the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage and the flooding of certain parts of Volta Region, the complainant developed a flyer with the inscription ‘North Tongu MP’s Disaster Donation Drive,’ with a short code 71375# requesting good Samaritans to donate in aid of the flood victims.

The prosecution stated that, the 1st and 2nd accused persons with intent to defraud took copies of the complainant’s flyer on Facebook, modified the flyer and inserted their respective phone numbers in the modified flyer.

“Holding themselves out as the complainant and causing the general public to wrongly believe they were the complainant, the 1st and 2nd accused persons published the fake and deceitful flyers on social media platforms requesting the general public to make cash donations into their mobile phone numbers 0535623416 and 0535364971 respectively, which each of the accused persons had stated on the fake and deceitful flyers,” the Prosecution.

The brief facts added that, the 1st and 2nd accused persons again used the names and photographs of the complainant to create several social media accounts, impersonated the MP and communicated with several people to solicit donations into their mobile money accounts.

“Through their acts of impersonation and publication of deceitful advertisement with the intent to defraud, the 1s and 2nd accused persons succeeded in causing members of the public to send to them sums of money,” the Court was told.

The Prosecution said, the complainant who chanced on the fake flyer on social media petitioned the National Signals Bureau and the accused persons were arrested.

“Both 1st and 2nd accused persons admitted to the offences when interrogated. Investigation is still ongoing,” the Prosecution said.

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The beneficiaries were at St. Kizito JHS safe haven in Mepe where around 1,200 people were camped following the disaster.

The new accommodation is a 63-unit hamlet.

.

They heaved sighs of relief and expressed gratitude to the government for the intervention to restore the lives in an interview with Adom News.

The excitement on the faces of the victims was refreshing as North Tongu Member of Parliament(MP) Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa led the sharing of the rooms on Saturday.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) started the water spillage on September 15, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the dams’ reservoirs.

National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) reported that more than 26,000 individuals have been displaced by these floods.

Several facilities were converted into emergency shelters to house the families downstream displaced by the flood.

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Some now attend classes under trees and others under tents because their classrooms still serve as safe havens for people displaced by the floods caused by the spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams.

In an interview with the Daily Graphic, the District Director of Education, Isabella Ayimey, indicated that, the worst-hit community was Mepe.

She said there were 14,704 learners in basic and senior high schools (SHSs) in the district before the floods, but a little over 9,000 were back in school.

She explained that, some learners had not returned to school because their parents had relocated to other districts.

Mrs Ayimey said for now, teaching and learning was ongoing in 21 schools in the district, while 27 were struggling to get back onto their feet. 

Observation

Last week, the Daily Graphic visited the area to find out how schools were faring following the reopening and also the challenges they were confronted with.

During the tour of the area, it was observed that some displaced persons were yet to return to their homes and were still occupying their temporary abodes.

For instance, in some of the schools, learners were crammed in some of the classrooms, while the displaced occupied the other classrooms.

To ease the congestion, it was further observed that some classes were held under tents.

Among those schools were Mepe Presbyterian Primary, Fodzoku E.P. Primary and Agbetikpo Primary.

Classes

The North Tongu District Director of Education explained that, UNICEF and the Ghana Education Service (GES) had provided those tents to create space for classes to be held as the displaced occupants of the classrooms could not be sent away.

She said although the floods had largely receded, some schools were still occupied by water.

She said to help the children make up for the lost time during the disaster, the affected schools had been asked to go over the lessons held for the learners before the floods before starting the new scheme for the term.

Furthermore, learners in the affected schools would have to return to school early, just after the Christmas holidays, to make up for lost lessons.

Teachers

Meanwhile, 286 of the 487 teachers displaced by the floods in the district had returned to their duty posts, she said.

However, Mrs Ayimey disclosed further that they were faced with severe accommodation problems because they had lost their rooms to the floods, a situation that had compelled some of the teachers to also sleep in classrooms, while others were commuting from Aflao, Akatsi, Accra and Ho daily to work in Mepe.

To alleviate that situation, the traditional authorities in Mepe had offered 12 rooms to the needy teachers, said Mrs Ayimey.

Also, the floods displaced 48 officers of the District Education Office, as well as the office; thus, officials of the District Education Office were now working in shifts as a result of the problem and to avoid congestion.

Mrs Ayimey acknowledged a donation of GH¢100,000 from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament (MP), Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to teachers who lost their rooms to the floods, saying that would relieve them greatly of their rent payment.

She further expressed gratitude to the various donor groups, including the District Assembly, traditional authorities, the MP and UNICEF, for their immense support to schools with learning and other materials to keep them running.

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The Minister highlighted the impact of climate change, particularly evident in the recent Akosombo Dam Spillage disaster and stressed the need for resettlement, drawing parallels with actions taken during the dam’s initial construction.

He said this in a speech read on his behalf by Martin Adjei Mensah Korsah, his Deputy during the 52nd Annual General Conference of the Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP) in Koforidua.

The Minister called on members of the Association to collaborate with various stakeholders for a sustainable resettlement plan.

He emphasized ongoing reviews of the National Urban Policy and Land Use and Spatial Planning Act.

These reviews aim to enhance smart, economically sustained planning across the country.

While the Inter-Ministerial Committee is yet to decide on the fate of the victims, the Ghana Institute of Planning (GIP), a professional body of engineering planners, is eager to contribute to the planning process.

GIP expressed its commitment to collaborate with the Inter-Ministerial Committee overseeing the Akosombo Dam Spillage flood devastation.

The Institute said it is prepared to assist in either reconstruction or resettlement, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable approach.

President of GIP, Pln. Mohammed Damba, stressed the need for comprehensive re-engineering planning, extending from upstream to downstream, to ensure a sustainable solution for these affected communities.

Mohammed Damba pointed to the GIP’s track record of effectiveness, citing their involvement in planning a sustainable reconstruction settlement after the Apiatse explosion disaster, with the first phase of that project nearing completion.

Concluding the conference, 202 new members and fellows were inducted into the Institute. Additionally, new national executives were elected, with Pln. Percy Anaab Bukari chosen as the new President.

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The caution is a response to the contamination of water sources with faecal bacteria and E. coli, rendering the water unsafe for consumption.

The revelation was made during a press briefing on the flood situation on Wednesday, where the Director of Public Health, Dr. Franklin Asiedu-Bekoe, addressed the critical issue of water safety in communities impacted by flooding.

Highlighting the seriousness of the situation, Dr. Asiedu-Bekoe stated, “VRA and other partners have helped to get access to potable water, but how safe is the water? In the next six months, that is what we are going to focus on. We cannot drink the water now.”

Acknowledging the immediate need for alternative water sources, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe recommended that flood victims use aqua tabs for water purification before consumption.

This precautionary measure is deemed essential to safeguard the health of those affected by the floods.

To ensure widespread adherence to these crucial guidelines, Dr Asiedu-Bekoe urged flood victims to comply with water consumption restrictions until further notice.

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The Chief of Staff, Frema Osei Opare, said this when the 13-member inter-ministerial committee coordinating the responses of government took its turn at the meet the press series on Tuesday.

Madam Opare who is the Chairperson revealed that, government has so far set aside GH¢40 million to cushion the victims.

“Government has so far made available for relief efforts GH¢40 million between VRA and NADMO within the period. Government is committed to releasing additional funds.

“Steps are being taken to secure additional funding from the World Bank and international climate-related sources to support the affected communities, especially for rehabilitation,” she said.

The Chief of Staff reiterated that none of the victims will be left behind, adding the government’s budget of GH¢220 million, will go a long way to assist them.

Education Minister, Dr. Osei Adutwum, at the same event also mentioned that an emergency procurement is currently underway to supply learning materials for students.

In order to ensure that academic work continues, the Minister said, equipment which were damaged at the Comboni Vocational School in South Tongu will be replaced.

On the part of St Kizito SHS students at Mepe, he hinted that a new academic calendar will be released.

The school currently accommodates over 9000 victims of the floods.

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Separate donations were made at the Adidome Farm Institute, Afetorgbokofe Safe Haven, Torkor, New Bakpa Zorotodzi, and Mafe in North Tongu District in the Volta Region.

The TUC Deputy General Secretary, Joshua Ansah who led the delegation empathized with the victims who are putting up in classrooms and open spaces as their houses have been submerged by the flood.

He said that every worker at TUC has a relation in the affected areas and all over the country, hence Congress would do all it can to continue assisting the victims.

“I want to assure you that with God all things are possible, we are here today we can’t wipe away your tears but show we are empathizing with all of you,” Mr. Ansah said.

He entreated Ghanaians to form a synergy towards providing shelter for the victims who have been displaced.

The relief items presented comprised essential supplies, including bags of rice, clean water, oil, and some cartoons of tin fish.

The camp head at the Adidome Farm Institute, Francisca Gavor appreciated the donation by the TUC.

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The Chief Justice has said the spillage has affected the Circuit and the District Courts operations, hence should be closed until November 30.

A public notice issued on November 17 and signed by the Judicial Secretary, Justice Cyra Pamela C.A Koranteng, (JA) announced the temporal closure.

The notice added the situation would be assessed after November 30.

“The attention of the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has been drawn to a general water
crises being faced by the residents of Ada as a result of the spillage of water from the
Akosombo Dam and which has affected the operations of the Circuit and District Courts
Ada.

“In view of the foregoing, the Honourable Lady Chief Justice has decided to close the
Circuit and District Courts, Ada, until 30th November 2023,” the statement note.

19 communities at Ada in the Greater Accra region have been heavily impacted by the Akosombo Dam which was spilled about two months ago.

The Ada Member of Parliament (MP) Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe has said the area has a peculiar situation as the Volta River empties into the sea at the estuary, making these communities more susceptible to flooding.

More than 6,000 persons are affected, with over 700 of them at three different safe havens.

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The initiative, which aims to offer a semblance of normalcy to those affected, is on track for completion in just two weeks.

The construction site, a hive of activity, echoes with the sounds of progress as skilled workers and volunteers collaborate tirelessly to bring the project to fruition.

The Project Coordinator, Francis Tunu, expressed optimism about the timeline.

“We’ve been working around the clock to ensure that these housing units are not just structures but homes that offer comfort and security to those who have lost so much,” Mr Tunu remarked.

The housing units, designed with resilience and practicality in mind, will provide shelter for families who have faced the brunt of the recent floods caused by the Akosombo dam spillage.

Each unit is equipped with essential amenities to cater to the immediate needs of the residents.

The Construction Ambassadors have been actively engaging with the affected communities, seeking input and feedback to tailor the housing units to the specific needs of the residents.

This collaborative approach ensures that the project not only meets basic requirements but also fosters a sense of ownership and community spirit among the beneficiaries.

As the deadline approaches, the Construction Ambassadors hope that the housing units will be able to provide the needed relief to the flood victims and help them get back to normal lives.

“The success of this initiative lies in the collective effort of the community. We welcome anyone willing to contribute their time and skills to join us in making a difference,”Mr Tunu urged.

Residents are delighted about the housing units and are hoping to move in as soon as possible.

The victims numbering 570 including women and children currently reside in a six-unit classroom block.

In an interview on Adom News, they lamented it will not be appropriate for them to continue living in the school at the expense of academic activities.

They, however, admitted that returning to their old homes will also be unsafe, hence the call for urgent housing support by the government.

“I am a fish farmer. During the water, I have lost a lot of money. About 80 cages are lost. GHs100,000 is gone through the water. So I am pleading with government if they can support me,” one of them said.

The victims made the appeal when the Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Koforidua, Monsignor Francis Twum Barimah, presented some donations on behalf of the church to the flood victims.

Monsignor Francis joined the call of the victims, urging the government to provide long-term lasting relocation support to flood victims.

“The government should get a place for the victims permanently because if they go back to their old houses, they may become victims of flood again. The people also have to cooperate with the government and do as they are told to avoid future problems,” the clergyman added.

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The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta, disclosed this during his presentation of the 2024 Budget Statement in Parliament on Wednesday.

“Mr. Speaker, Government has budgeted an amount of GH¢220 million to support the relief phase for the communities affected by the Akosombo spillage as well as floods upstream in the Oti, Savannah, and Bono-East Regions,” he announced.

The amount, he explained is for the relief phase of the communities, adding there is also a restoration phase.

Mr Ofori-Atta noted that, for the restoration phase, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, would allocate additional resources to support livelihoods of the people.

“We have requested funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the resettlement of the victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities,” he added.

The Minister said he was grateful to God that no lives were lost despite the extent of devastation.

“I convey the sincere appreciation the President and the entire government to all groups and individuals who have empathised with, and supported the affected families. It is in this same spirit that we must continue to be grateful to God that no lives have been lost due to the devastating spillage from the Akosombo Dam,” he noted.

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A statement signed by the Head of Public Relations of the Authority, Eunice Ama Oppong said, the National Schools Inspectorate Authority (NaSIA) is deeply concerned about the recent dam spillage that has affected schools.

She went further to say, as an agency committed to enforcing standards and ensuring quality, well-being, safety of learners and all staff of schools affected, they take the matter very seriously.

In view of this, NaSIA added that, they are taking the necessary steps to deal with the current challenges occasioned by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Ms. Oppong said in her statement again that, the Authority is currently in talks with other education agencies as part of the inter-agency collaboration and response to the flooding challenge.

The following are some of the immediate first steps to be taken:

Emergency response teams have been mobilized to affected schools to assess the extent of damage and implement necessary measures to address any potential risks to the schools.

Inspectors of the Authority have been charged to encourage school leadership to create alternative venues and temporary school environments in the case of areas affected by the flood from controlled spillage.

Inspectors are also expected to offer the necessary guidance and counselling to learners and teachers living along the Lower Volta River and its environs.

Measures are being put in place to engage private school association heads in the affected areas.

Head of Public Relations of the Authority, explained further that, they will continue to monitor the situation and capture any development in its reports to the Ministry of Education and other education stakeholders for possible solution.

The Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta made the recognition while presenting the 2024 budget in parliament on Wednesday.

Mr Ofori-Atta also empathised with the traditional leaders and the victims in all of the affected communities.

He reiterated the commitment of the government to support the victims in every way possible.

Millions of properties were lost in communities along the lower Volta Basin following the spillage of the dam from September 15, 2023.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) embarked on the exercise following excess water in both the Akosombo and Kpong dams reservoirs due to appreciable levels of rainfall.

The lawmaker said the Volta River Authority (VRA) would not be allowed to go free given the havoc their actions had visited on the people within the Lower Volta Basin. 

Mr Ablakwa whose constituency was the hardest hit rolled out several support packages.

He launched a mobile relief caravan to distribute relief items and has among other things pledged to demand full compensation for all the flood victims. 

Meanwhile, government has set-up a 13-member committee chaired by the Chief of Staff Frema Akosua Osei Opare to coordinate responses to address the situation.

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About 6,000 persons are said to have been affected by the flood, with more than 700 of them currently being housed at safe havens, but Cudjoe feels the victims have been left to their fate.

She expressed her concerns after donating assorted food items and water to some island communities.

19 communities at Ada in the Greater Accra region are heavily impacted by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

Mrs Cudjoe says the area has a peculiar situation as the Volta River empties into the sea at the estuary, making these communities more susceptible to flooding.

More than 6,000 persons are affected, with over 700 of them at three different safe havens.

Madam Cudjoe is unhappy, feeling that affected persons have been left to their fate with little to no support coming in.

“The villages, some of them have mud buildings and they have collapsed, we have to come to their aid. Nothing is going on here because you cannot enter this water and work. This is where they work. All of them are here, they are not doing anything and hunger is now killing them. So all we need to do is to come to their aid,” she told journalists.

She appeals to the government, individuals, organizations, and groups to help the victims, mentioning a fund launched specifically to support those affected.

“People can contribute to support us. Some of them cannot come closer. They don’t have much to give but something small, we will appreciate.”

“I’m pleading. People should come and support us. And look at these houses that have collapsed, we have to get something for them and now they don’t even know where to start. We have to get some funding for them.”

The MP and her team visited island communities, including Tonyikope, Agamakope, Baitrenya, Adjim, and Twist Kewunor, delivering bags of sachet water, assorted food items, and clothes.

Some victims, after receiving water and assorted food items from the MP, are grateful but express concerns over the spillage.

These communities, apart from losing their sources of livelihood to the flood, also face pollution of their drinking water.

MP Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe encourages anyone touched by their situation to support directly or donate to the fund by dialing *203*0444#.

The MP has paid full fees for tertiary students of 50 most affected families in the area.

The comprehensive support package, totaling  GH₵110,524.83, also includes transportation to facilitate the students return to school.

The 50 beneficiaries were carefully chosen from the 21 displaced camps, covering all traditional areas.

They include students from various Colleges of Education, Nursing Training Institutions, and Technical Universities.

Mr Ablakwa’s initiative is to ensure that these students continue their education without disruption, despite the significant economic challenges posed by the floods.

This move reflects his commitment to supporting the affected community and ensuring that the youth can pursue their academic endeavours.

In a post he made on social media, the MP expressed his dedication to standing together with the community during these difficult times.

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The NDC has bemoaned that despite heightened media coverage of the dire situation, Madam Lariba Zuweira Abudu, and her Ministry have been missing in action.

In a statement, the party said vulnerable groups thus the aged, women, children, and people living with disabilities, among others have been displaced by the floods and are facing discrimination in the distribution of relief items.

“The Media is inundated with SOS calls and cries from these vulnerable individuals while Hajia Lariba Zuweira Abudu appears to be either sleeping or deliberately sitting unconcerned.

“Even the reported case of collapse of an elderly woman in the Agbetikpo camp in North Tongu nor the weeping of a frail 85-year-old Janet Gidi on live TV that they are being discriminated against could not move her to realize that it is her sworn responsibility to cater for these vulnerable people,” the statement read in parts.

Aside from this, the NDC said most of these people are also still living in very inhumane and unsanitary conditions at risk of disease and abuse.

A situation they have described as an unacceptable and dire situation that requires immediate attention and redress.

The NDC firmly believes that it is the responsibility of the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection to ensure that these vulnerable populations are protected and provided with the necessary support during times of crisis.

“It is her obligation to take a keen interest in and ensure equitable access to relief resources, and this blatant discrimination goes against the very principles she is entrusted to uphold. It is a clear case of dereliction of duty, and it is high time she stood up and be counted,” it added.

Meanwhile, they have called on philanthropists and entities to deliberately target persons with disabilities, children, the aged, and other vulnerable groups with their donations.

The party has further implored the government through the ministry to take urgent and decisive steps to rectify these injustices and ensure no one is left behind in these excruciating times of humanitarian crisis.

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Their call is in response to a directive to teachers in the area to return to school.

The Volta Regional Chairman of the Concerned Teachers, Solomon Takyi Kwame stressed the urgent need for government intervention during an interview with Adom News correspondent Odehyeba Owusu Job.

He said whiles government is insisting teachers return to their classrooms, there is a lack of support for those affected by the spillage.

Mr. Takyi Kwame said the teachers will not return to classroom if they are not provided with the needed relief items.

As an immediate measure, the Coalition of Concerned Teachers presented a cheque of GH¢20,000 to the affected members in the Volta Region.

The National Treasurer and Chairman of CCT Fund, John Okyere Darfour led the delegation to present the cheque.

He was supported by Deputy Communications Director, Frank Gyekye and Deputy General Secretary, Patrick Nii Sackey.

Mr. Darfour urged government to extend financial aid and relief items to the affected teachers.

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He has described the situation as an injustice towards the victims.

This comes on the back of a clash in Parliament on Wednesday between himself and some MPs from the Majority caucus over relief items donated to the people.

The MP for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku accused Mr Ablakwa of receiving donations from the government via the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta.

But the latter vehemently opposed, arguing nothing had been given to him personally.

To buttress his point, the Mr. Ablakwa took to his official Twitter page to share pictures, highlighting the plight of his constituents.

He went on to question why government has not announced a resettlement policy yet.

This is how thousands of our fellow Ghanaians who had their own homes a few weeks ago woke up at 5am today.

Why should our compatriots and my beloved constituents continue to live in congested classrooms and under extremely inhumane conditions in displaced camps 5 weeks after… pic.twitter.com/pDmxgKWdhs

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) November 9, 2023

The Volta River Authority (VRA) on September 15, 2023, commenced the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo dam due to consistent rain.

Over 26,000 individuals in parts of the Eastern, Volta and Greater Accra regions have been displaced by floods as a result of the spillage.

Meanwhile there has been calls for an adequate compensation and settlement for the victims.

Addressing journalists in Parliament on Wednesday, Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh said the inter-ministerial committee set up by President Akufo-Addo will deal with the aftermath of the floods.

The exercise is part of a vector control programme aimed at reducing the incidence of communicable diseases in the community.

The fumigation has become necessary following the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong hydro-electric dams which flooded various communities and displaced nearly 40,000 people in the North, South and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region.

Some residents of Ada, Asuogyaman, and Shai Osudoku were also affected by the spillage which saw several homes submerged, while farmlands and fish farming livelihood projects were destroyed completely.

Shrines of traditional priests in some of the communities were not spared either by the floods, compelling the heads of those facilities to flee their homes. 

CSR

Officials of Vectorpes, a subsidiary of the Jospong Group, which is carrying out the fumigation, said the exercise was aimed to make the flooded communities more habitable after the floodwaters had receded.  

The General Manager in charge of Vector Control at the Jospong Group, Ebenezer Kwame Addae, said the one-month project to be undertaken in six districts of the Volta, Greater Accra and Eastern regions, was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR).

Mepe, Battor, and Aveyime are among 13 communities in the North Tongu District that are benefiting from the project.

A total of 21 communities from South Tongu, Central Tongu, Shai Osudoku, Asuogyaman and Lower Manya Krobo will also benefit from the exercise.   

No contract

Addressing journalists at Battor on the exercise which commenced on Sunday, October 29, this year, Rev. Dr Addae debunked rumours that the project was being undertaken at a fee as part of a contractual agreement between the company and the Volta River Authority (VRA).

“It is public knowledge that our Managing Director, during a recent donation of relief support to the government for the victims, announced that the company will undertake the exercise as part of our corporate social responsibility, and the VRA is only providing guidance for the exercise since they have an extensive knowledge of the affected communities that might have to benefit from the project,” Rev. Addae explained.

He said what the company was doing was a pure corporate social responsibility as directed by the Executive Chairman of the Jospong Group.

“I challenge anyone who says we are doing this at a fee to produce the contract guiding the exercise,” he said.

He said whereas similar exercises were done during the COVID-19 outbreak, “this time, this is being done free of charge in line with humanitarian assistance to our brothers in the affected areas,” he stressed.

He pointed out that though the VRA sought the company’s assistance to undertake the project, they made it clear to the officials that they had already committed themselves to undertaking the exercise in the spirit of social responsibility.

Zoomlion, he said, was only giving back to society what it had gained from it.

Commenting on its contractual agreements with district assemblies across the country, Rev. Addae said the company had a disinfection of public places of convenience and other related activities as directed by the assemblies, and the company’s presence in the area was as a result of the disaster associated with the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams.

“We only beefed up our CSR activities to help the people in need and there is no existing contract on any form of emergency disinfection/fumigation”, Rev. Addae emphasised. 

MCE

The MCE for North Tongu, Divine Osborne Fenu, while giving an update of the situation, said the flood in most of the affected areas were receding gradually, hence the fumigation exercise being carried out by Zoomlion.

He said while the homes that had dried up would require a structural integrity assessment before the owners could move in, officials had been informed that some persons were moving into their homes.

“The goal is to get the fumigation done after which the technical people will move in to conduct these tests.

We are setting up a team to undertake sensitisation at the holding shelters to dissuade people from moving into these homes without any proper assessment done on their structures,” Mr Fenu said. 

On education, he said whereas not all the 21 holding shelters had makeshift learning system in place for children, the stakeholders were working around the clock to ensure that the resettlement homes being constructed by the Firsk Sky Group would be completed in time so people could be moved into them to make way for the use of the classrooms serving as shelters to revert to teaching and learning.

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The supplies include intravenous fluids, antibiotics, pain medications, water sanitation and hygiene kits, consumables, and antihypertensive drugs. 

The WHO African Regional Director, Dr. Matshidiso Moeti who led the donation during a meeting with the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu highlighted the significant health challenges faced by Ghana and other African nations due to public health emergencies.

While disease outbreaks traditionally cause many health crises in the region, Dr. Moeti stressed that climate change is also a major contributor, leading to severe events like flooding, droughts, and food insecurity.

According to her, the existing gaps in health systems hinder the effective response to these threats and urged Ghana to strengthen its health systems, particularly at the primary care level.

“Through our country office, WHO is committed to continue supporting Ghana in building a strong and resilient health system to effectively respond to health emergencies while ensuring the continuity of essential health services as part of achieving universal health,” she stated. 

Recognizing the collaborative efforts of various entities including the UN, multilateral and bilateral agencies, partners, donors, the private sector, and Ghanaians, Dr. Moeti expressed gratitude for their collective support in aiding the government’s response to the flood-affected population.

She is on a two-day official visit to Ghana to attend the WHO Inter-Parliamentary Union African Parliament high-level conference aimed at enhancing health security preparedness.

The meeting will serve as a platform for African parliamentarians to exchange ideas, garner political support, enhance capacities, and coordinate efforts in strengthening health security and building resilient health systems for their respective nations’ future.

For his part, the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu expressed gratitude to WHO for its steadfast support to the Ministry.

“Grateful for the support received in the harmonizing health facility assessment survey that assesses the availability of health facilities and the capacities of facilities to provide service at required standards of quality,” he added. 

He noted that the recent flood situation was of concern and requires prompt attention due to its implications for public health.

Acknowledging the overwhelmed health systems in the affected areas, Mr. Agyemang-Manu highlighted the need for assistance to ensure the delivery of essential health services and to bolster the capacity to manage public health emergencies.

The Health Minister added that, to achieve Universal Health Coverage, Ghana has prioritised improving primary health care quality through the ongoing implementation of the Network of Practice.

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According to him, the money won’t be sufficient looking at the extent of damage caused by the spilling excess water from the Akosombo Dam.

In an interview on Joy FM’s Top Story on Wednesday, November 8, Mr Abakwa said the disaster that has struck the flood-affected communities is so dire that a ‘paltry’ GHS₵2.86 million cannot solve it.

“If you look at the scale of the disaster, releasing GH₵2.86 million is an insult. We are talking about damage that runs into billions of Ghana cedis, entire houses destroyed, etc.,” he said.

This follows Mpraeso MP, Davis Ansah Opoku stating in Parliament that the Volta River Authority (VRA) has released an amount of GH₵2.86 million to the Volta River Resettlement Fund.

He claimed that some NDC members are sitting on the Volta River Resettlement Fund.

But the North Tongu MP although admitted the existence of the Fund, pointed out that the Fund had been abandoned for decades.

“This government has failed in carrying out its obligation in making sure that this Fund is always resourced,” he said while noting that “if that Fund was working, a lot of things would have happened in this community, alternative livelihood would have been provided.”

According to the legislator, the money was distributed after the disaster struck, adding that the Fund has not been disbursed to the affected communities.

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Microphones from both sides were on but nobody could be clearly heard amid the chaos on the floor.

This was after the Energy Minister, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh led the Senior Management of Volta River Authority (VRA) to brief Members of Parliament on the spillage.

The Minister indicated that, the government is committed to restoring the livelihoods of affected communities while also elaborating the specific interventions rolled out to mitigate their plight.

He rejected claims that the VRA mishandled the situation, arguing enough sensitisation was carried out.

Napo as he is popularly called reiterated that, there would have been serious damage to the Akosombo Dam if the spillage was not carried out.

But the Minority rejected the claims with Yapei Kusawgu MP, John Jinapor, describing the conduct of the VRA as irresponsible.

North Tongu MP, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwah also chided government and some officials of the VRA based.

But a livid Tema West MP, Carlos Ahenkorah would have none of that.

According to him, no one can fault VRA for the spillage of the dam.

Mpraeso MP, Davis Ansah Opoku also chastised Mr Ablakwa for embarking on a populist and self seeking agenda to denigrate the efforts by the government in the eyes of the citizenry.

This brought the House to a stand still.

Second Deputy Speaker, Andrew Asiamah, who presided over the proceeding handed over to Joseph Osei Owusu the First Deputy Speaker.

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