Ebenezer Teye Nartey, the Ada-East Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), reported that last year’s Akosombo Dam spillage impacted 5,685 individuals and 1,135 households across 28 communities in the district.
During a recent Volta River Authority (VRA) meeting at the Ada East District Assembly, Nartey detailed that 776 affected individuals took refuge in designated safe havens, while 4,909 chose to stay in their flooded communities.
The disaster affected 283 farms, seven fishermen, livestock farmers, and oyster miners.
Additionally, eight schools, including five on an island and three on the mainland, as well as a Community Health Planning and Services (CHPS) compound and a clinic, were damaged.
The spillage also disrupted local businesses, particularly those reliant on fishing and agricultural products, forcing many to halt their operations.
Initial evacuations included over 120 people from communities such as Alorwusedekope, Aflive, Kewuse, Kweunor, and Azizakpe, who were relocated to safe havens.
New shelters were later established at Azizanya and Methodist Basic School, with assistance from the Volta River Foundation and various NGOs.
During their nine-week stay from October 15 to December 19, 2023, the displaced individuals received guidance, counseling, medical supplies, and prayers, along with security and administrative support.
Cash donations from the Anglican Church in Tema and the World Food Programme, among others, were distributed to victims, ranging from GHS 700 to GHS 1,800 based on their needs.
Nartey noted that out of the GHC 95,000 spent on relief efforts, only GHC 15,000 had been paid, leaving an outstanding balance of GHC 80,000.
He recommended that support be provided in the form of start-up capital, settlement centers for the vulnerable, and access to potable water for the affected areas.
He also emphasized the need for enhanced community and media engagement to better prepare residents for future spillages.