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Here are 5 challenges facing communities following Akosombo Dam spillage

While visiting some victims of the flooding in Mepe in the Volta Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said the mandate of the government is to assist the affected persons.
Students in Mepe
Students in Mepe

The overflow of the dam meant the Volta River Authority (VRA) had no option but to spill the excess water, resulting in floods.

The spillage has since had a devastating effect on homes and farmlands, with those along the banks of the River Volta the most affected.

While visiting some victims of the flooding in Mepe in the Volta Region, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo said the mandate of the government is to assist the affected persons.

Speaking to the Chief and people of Mepe, President Akufo-Addo also said he is obliged to help the people and it is not about votes and political affiliations.

“My visit here is a very simple one. It is to come and sympathise and commiserate with you about the tragedy that has occurred. When it happened, I was in America on an official business and the Chief of Staff called me in America about what had happened and we discussed what had to be done.

“We agreed to establish an inter-ministerial committee to coordinate government response to the tragedy...

“When these things happen and government acts, politics does not come into the matter at all. When I took the oath of office as president, I took the oath as president for every single individual in Ghana, all people in Ghana, all districts and whether they voted for me or not, once I have taken the oath, I am the President of all the people so Togbe, I want the people here, beginning with you, and the elders to understand that when something like this happens and Government acts, Government is acting for Ghanaians, all Ghanaians.

“I came here because Ghanaians are having difficulties and are suffering, and it is my responsibility to try and help. Because, if it is a question of counting who votes for me and who doesn't vote for me, then I shouldn't be here, because you don't vote for me. But that is not my concern. And, in any event, one day you will vote for me and my party.

“So Togbe, I came here this afternoon to express my sympathy with all the people of Mepe and the areas affected," he added.

Thousands of people have also been displaced due to the flooding, while the Ghana Armed Forces have deployed their men in the Volta Region to help the victims.

Pulse Ghana visited Mepe, Sogakope and other communities that have been affected by the floods and here are some challenges facing residents currently.

ECG substation floods

A substation of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) in Sogakope has been flooded. Residents were initially plunged into darkness but power has since been restored by GRIDCo.

Mortuary submerged by floods

Also, one of the biggest mortuaries in Sogakope was taken over by the floods, forcing workers to move all the dead bodies to another location.

Comboni Technical Institute closed

The Comboni Technical Vocational Institute is also among the places affected by the floods, with the school being closed as a result.


Students studying under trees

Meanwhile, in Mepe, students have resorted to studying under trees because their classrooms have been occupied by the water.

Classrooms converted into sleeping spaces

Some school classrooms in the affected areas have been converted into sleeping places for people whose houses have been submerged.

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