President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has visited regions in Ghana affected by flooding due to the Akosombo Dam spillage. During his tour, the President assured the affected communities that his government would take all necessary actions to alleviate their plight, regardless of their political affiliations.
Addressing the people of Mepe and other towns in the North, South, and Central Tongu areas of the Volta Region, President Akufo-Addo reiterated that he is the President for all Ghanaians and that it is his responsibility to assist those facing difficulties, regardless of whether they voted for him or not.
“When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath for every single individual in Ghana, irrespective of whether they voted for me or not. I am the President of all the people,” he stated.
He expressed his sympathies to the people in the affected areas and emphasized that the government would do whatever is within its powers to alleviate the situation. The President also commended the Volta River Authority (VRA) for its preparedness and efforts to prevent loss of life during this crisis.
The flooding caused by the dam spillage has had significant impacts on various aspects of life in the affected communities, including education, healthcare, mobility, shelter, and access to food, particularly for children.
The VRA initiated the spillage of excess water from the Akosombo and Kpong hydro dams on September 15, 2023, due to rising water levels, resulting in widespread destruction and displacement in several districts, including South, Central, and North Tongu in the Volta Region. Thousands of residents have had to evacuate, leaving their homes, farms, and properties submerged under floodwaters.
Emmanuel Antwi-Darkwa, CEO of the VRA, explained that the lake was experiencing inflows beyond expectations, necessitating the ongoing spillage. He reassured the public that they were actively monitoring the situation and would continue to take necessary steps to ensure safety.
The VRA had previously faced criticism for alleged neglect of its responsibilities in the Lower Volta Basin, which contributed to the severe impact of the flooding resulting from the dam spillage on local communities.
