Residents in flood-affected areas of the Lower Volta Basin are demanding that the government implement effective resettlement plans before the Volta River Authority (VRA) carries out its scheduled controlled spillage.
After enduring months in resettlement camps and deteriorating homes, the residents feel abandoned and are urging the government to fulfill its promise of providing adequate resettlement housing.
Desmond Selase Aggor, Channel One News’ Volta Regional Correspondent, recently visited some of the impacted communities to evaluate their readiness for the upcoming controlled release of water from the Akosombo Dam.
The controlled spillage began on September 15, 2023, due to increased water levels resulting from heavy rainfall. By early October 2023, this release had already significantly impacted numerous communities.
On October 9, 2023, the water release was intensified due to continued rainfall, leading to severe flooding and the displacement of downstream communities. The floods devastated homes, farmlands, and other properties, submerging entire areas, including about 25% of Mepe in the Central and North Tongu Districts.
Many displaced residents were forced to move to temporary camps, which, while offering immediate shelter, were inadequate. Conditions in these camps included overcrowding, limited clean water access, and poor sanitation, heightening the risk of waterborne diseases like cholera.
Even after ten months, some residents continue to live in these camps. In an interview with Channel One News, residents of Mepe expressed frustration over the lack of compensation for their losses.
66-year-old Asitorakor Akuovi lamented the loss of her property and reported no assistance received so far. The Mankralo of the Mepe Traditional Area, Togbe Korsi Nego IV, echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for compensation and better communication from the VRA before the spillage begins. He also urged the government to address the deteriorated road networks in the affected areas.
In the Central Tongu District, the situation remains dire. Doris Zowada, a 68-year-old resident of Awadiwoe-Kome, shared that her farm and home were submerged, leaving her struggling to recover.
The Chief of New Bakpa, Togbe Kwabla Sakpiti V, noted that while there was initial support, it has since ceased, and government projects have been delayed. He praised corporate organizations, including Citi FM/Channel One TV, for their ongoing support but warned that the planned spillage could exacerbate the damage.
As the VRA prepares for the spillage, residents are urging the completion of government resettlement projects and the provision of additional accommodations to mitigate further damage.
Some Assembly members in the Central and North Tongu Districts have been briefed about the upcoming spillage and are preparing, but they rely on public support due to the lack of government-provided accommodation.
The Ghana Education Service in the Volta Region has learned from last year’s floods and is preparing for potential future spillages. They have advised parents to take preventive measures.
District Chief Executive for Central Tongu, Thomas Moore Zonyrah, spoke to Channel One News about the impacts of last year’s floods and indicated that NADMO, the VRA, and local Assemblies are coordinating preparations for the upcoming spillage.
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