President Pledges Relief Support as Dam Spillage Displaces 26,000

At least 26,000 individuals have been displaced along the lower Volta Basin due to the recent Dam spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has confirmed the disruptive impact of the spillage by the Volta River Authority (VRA) on economic activities and the livelihoods of affected communities.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo visited the affected region and assured the people of government support through NADMO. The ministries of Agriculture and Finance, along with the Office of the President, will collaborate with district assemblies to provide long-term support.

The President expressed empathy for farming communities that lost farms, homes, and livelihoods due to the disaster and pledged to do everything in his power to support those affected.

President Akufo-Addo assured the people that he took the oath of office as the President of all Ghanaians and acknowledged the efforts of the emergency support system in preventing loss of life during the disaster.

The Manklalo of Mepe, Togbe Kosi Nego VI, thanked the President for the visit and hoped for the speedy relocation of affected individuals to the Saglemi Housing site while permanent solutions are found.

Communities such as Battor, Sogakope, Mepe, and various island communities in the Volta Region, as well as parts of Ada in the Greater Accra Region, are among the hardest hit areas.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has allocated GH¢5 million from the Road Fund to rehabilitate the Sogakope bridge and other roads in the lower Volta Basin affected by the dam spillage. The Sogakope bridge, a critical trade infrastructure, is being inspected and maintained to ensure safety and continuity of trade.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) has also contributed by allocating a patrol boat to remove water hyacinth, which has hindered the flow of water from the lake. The removal process is expected to last between five and six days.

This disaster has led to a unified response from various government agencies to mitigate the impact and provide support to those affected by the dam spillage.

Summary: Over 26,000 people have been displaced in the lower Volta Basin following the spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams. President Akufo-Addo pledged government support to address the immediate and long-term needs of the affected individuals. Communities in the Volta Region and parts of Ada have been severely impacted. The Ministry of Roads and Highways allocated funds to rehabilitate critical infrastructure like the Sogakope bridge, ensuring safety and continuity of trade. The Volta River Authority (VRA) also provided assistance to remove water hyacinth obstructing water flow. The disaster has prompted a coordinated response from government agencies to aid those affected.

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