The Ada-East Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Ebenezer Teye Nartey, has reported that the Akosombo Dam spillage last year impacted 5,685 individuals and 1,135 households across 28 communities in the district.
During a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Volta River Authority (VRA) at the Ada East District Assembly, Mr Nartey revealed that 776 affected individuals took refuge in the designated safe havens, while 4,909 chose to stay in their flooded communities.
He noted that the spillage also affected 283 farms, seven fishermen, livestock farmers, and oyster miners. Additionally, eight schools—five on the island and three on the mainland—along with one Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and one clinic, both on the island, were impacted.
Nartey highlighted that local businesses suffered indirect effects due to the halt in fishing activities, which disrupted food vendors reliant on fish and other farm products.
On the first day of the evacuation, over 120 flood victims from Alorwusedekope, Aflive, Kewuse, Kweunor, and Azizakpe were moved to safe havens.
Later, additional safe havens were established at Azizanya and Methodist Basic School, with support from the Volta River Foundation and various NGOs.
A total of 63 donors, including companies, churches, individuals, the Ada Traditional Council, and VRA, contributed to the relief efforts. The victims resided in the camp from October 15 to December 19, 2023, receiving guidance, counseling, medical supplies, and prayers, alongside security and administrative support.
Nartey mentioned that cash donations from the Anglican Church, Tema, and the World Food Programme, in partnership with international and national organizations, ranged between GHS 700 and GHS 1,800 per victim, based on their needs.
He reported that of the GHS 95,000.00 spent on relief efforts, only GHS 15,000 had been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of GHS 80,000.
Nartey recommended providing flood victims with start-up capital, settlement centers for vulnerable individuals, and access to potable water. He also called for increased community and media engagement to raise awareness and prepare residents for future spillages.