Eight months after the Volta River Authority (VRA) released excess water from the Akosombo Dam, over 200 flood victims in Degorme, Mepe, in the Volta Region remain in dire conditions, living in temporary tents with minimal government support.
Devastating Impact of the Spillage
In September 2023, the VRA’s decision to release excess water from the Akosombo Dam, aimed at preventing a potential dam failure, resulted in significant flooding.
The spillage displaced around 39,000 people, destroyed properties worth millions of Ghana cedis, halted local economies, and disrupted education.
Current Conditions in Degorme Camp II
Residents of Degorme Camp II are facing severe challenges:
Inadequate Shelter: Rainwater floods the tents during downpours, and extreme heat makes them unbearable during dry days.
Health Concerns: With no clinic or nurse available, residents suffer from skin rashes and fevers without medical care.
Safety Hazards:
Frequent harassment by reptiles and scorpions adds to the residents’ distress.
Basic Needs: Food and water supplies from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) have ceased, and the Ghana Water Company recently disconnected the camp’s water supply.
Voices from the Camp
Sophia Abbah, a leader at Degorme Camp II, expressed the residents’ desperation: “We feel completely abandoned. Without food, water, or medical care, our situation is getting worse by the day.”
Call for Government Action
The flood victims in Mepe urgently need government intervention. Immediate support in the form of food, water, medical care, and proper housing is critical to their survival and recovery.
The VRA’s Stance
The VRA maintains that the controlled spillage was essential to preserve the structural integrity of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, emphasizing the necessity of managing water levels to prevent catastrophic dam failure.
Conclusion
As the rainy season approaches, the urgency for relief in Degorme Camp II intensifies. Government and relevant authorities must act swiftly to provide the necessary aid, ensuring that the flood victims can rebuild their lives after this devastating event. Immediate and sustained assistance is a lifeline for these affected residents.
See pictures below:
