President Nana Akufo-Addo has revealed that GH¢80 million has been released by the Ministry of Finance, to support the ongoing rehabilitation of communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The president reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to assisting those affected by the extensive flooding in downstream communities of the Greater Accra, Eastern, and Volta Regions.
“I must, at this stage, reaffirm the Government’s continued commitment to providing support for victims of the recent, extensive flooding in downstream communities, in the Greater Accra, Eastern and Volta Regions, caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam last year – a necessary action which was taken to maintain the dam’s structural integrity.
“As set out in the 2024 budget, Government has set aside GH¢220 million, of which GH¢80 million has already been released by the Ministry of Finance, to support the ongoing rehabilitation efforts for the affected communities,” he said.
The spillage, carried out by the Volta River Authority (VRA) on September 15, displaced over 27,000 people, according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
Farmlands were completely submerged, with growing fears of an increase in poverty levels in the affected communities due to the loss of livelihoods of the communities that are known for fishing and farming.
The displaced individuals sought refuge in public schools, migrated to nearby communities, or stayed with relatives and friends.
A few days after the unfortunate incident, the government set up a 13-member inter-ministerial committee to coordinate the government’s efforts in assisting and providing relief to those affected by the flooding.