Akosombo Dam: Victims call for proper resettlement plan over impending spillage

Residents in flood-affected communities in the Lower Volta Basin are calling for proper resettlement plans from the government before the Volta River Authority commences its planned controlled spillage.

After months of living in resettlement camps and dilapidated homes, the residents say the government must fulfil its promise of providing suitable resettlement homes, as they feel abandoned.

Channel One News’ Volta Regional Correspondent, Desmond Selase Aggor, visited some flood-affected communities to assess the level of preparedness ahead of a planned controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

The Akosombo Dam spillage began on September 15, 2023, after the Volta River Authority initiated the controlled release due to rising water levels from significant rainfall.

By early October 2023, the spillage from the Akosombo Dam had significantly affected several communities.

On October 9, 2023, the water release increased due to the continued rise in water levels, leading to substantial flooding and displacement of downstream communities.

The release of water caused severe flooding, destroying homes, farmlands, and properties.

The flooding submerged entire communities, including the Central and North Tongu Districts, where about 25% of Mepe was underwater.

Following the flooding, many displaced residents had to relocate to temporary camps. These makeshift accommodations provided immediate shelter but were far from ideal.

Residents faced overcrowding, limited access to clean water, and inadequate sanitation facilities, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera.

Ten months on, some affected residents still live in these camps.

Residents in Mepe in an interview with Channel One News shared their challenges, noting that they were yet to receive any compensation.

66-year-old Asitorakor Akuovi lost all her property, including a building, during the flood. She complained about how she’s yet to receive any assistance.

Mankralo of the Mepe Traditional Area, Togbe Korsi Nego IV, stated during a Channel One News interview that, although the government made several promises, it is yet to fulfil them.

Togbe Korsi Nego IV, called for compensation before the dam spillage to help struggling homes recover when the floods begin. He also appealed to the VRA to provide adequate information to residents before the spillage.

Road networks in the communities have also been affected by the flooding. Residents in Mepe are calling for attention to be given to the affected roads.

In the Central Tongu District, the situation is similar. 68-year-old Doris Zowada, a resident of Awadiwoe-Kome, an island community, says life has been unbearable since the flooding, which submerged her farm and home. She is yet to recover from the devastating effects.

The Chief of New Bakpa, Togbe Kwabla Sakpiti V, stated that, although support came when needed, it has now halted, and government projects have also been delayed.

He commended corporate organisations, especially Citi FM/Channel One TV, for their continuous support.

Togbe Kwabla Sakpiti V added that the intended spillage will cause more damage and negatively impact lives.

With the planned spillage by the Volta River Authority, residents in the affected communities in the Lower Volta Basin say preparations are ongoing to prevent further damage.

They, however, called for the government’s resettlement project to be completed and for other accommodations to be made available before the spillage begins.

Some Assembly members in the Central and North Tongu Districts, who spoke to Channel One News, say they have been informed about the intended spillage. They are prepared but will rely on public support.

They lamented the government’s inability to provide accommodation for affected residents.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Education Service in the Volta Region says lessons have been learned from last year’s floods, and they are adequately preparing for any future spillage.

They have appealed to parents to take precautionary measures before the spillage.

The District Chief Executive for Central Tongu, Thomas Moore Zonyrah, in a Channel One News interview, spoke about the impact of last year’s flood and mentioned that NADMO, VRA, and the Assemblies are working on preparations for the intended spillage.

Source: CNR