President Akufo-Addo, along with his Cabinet members, is embarking on a three-day retreat to address pressing issues concerning the nation’s economy and the humanitarian crisis afflicting various areas in Lower Volta due to the Akosombo and Kpong Dams spillage.
The retreat coincides with the International Monetary Fund’s recent approval of the next $600 million balance of payment support for Ghana, following the staff agreement reached.
The discussions during the retreat will focus on the severe consequences of the dam spillage, which has displaced thousands in the Volta, Eastern, and parts of the Greater Accra Regions.
The Volta River Authority initiated controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water levels of the Akosombo reservoir.
Numerous residents in areas like South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and others have seen their homes submerged as a result of the spillage.
Earlier this week, President Akufo-Addo visited the residents of Mepe and surrounding areas to assess the devastation caused by the spillage. During his visit, he assured the victims that the government would make every effort to provide the necessary assistance.
President Akufo-Addo also mentioned the inter-ministerial committee he established to address flooding-related issues, which will determine the immediate relief measures for the victims and work towards averting future disasters of this magnitude.
“The coordination is about the immediate and the most important thing was to ensure the life of people and that is why 9 centres were established for all the displaced people and all the people in these 9 centres have been provided relief items by NADMO, and it is NADMO’s intention to continue to provide relief items. Apart from what NADMO is doing, we must also think about the future.”