The Volta Regional chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has expressed grave concern over the uncontrolled spillage of the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA).
The spillage has caused widespread devastation in 101 communities across five constituencies along the Volta Lake, raising serious concerns about the safety, health, and livelihoods of the affected residents.
James Gunu, the Volta Regional Secretary in in a statement, deplored the devastating impact of the uncontrolled spillage and the devastating effect on lives, homes, and essentials.
“We are not oblivious to the need to safeguard the Akosombo Dam due to excess water. But, what we have seen this year before the spillage is unacceptable.”
“In the past, VRA took the opportunity to engage in proper stakeholder engagements and sensitization of communities along the banks of the Volta Lake,” he said.
The NDC called on the Volta River Authority to halt the spillage urgently until adequate safety measures could be put in place.
The party criticized the lack of proper stakeholder engagements and community sensitization before the spillage, a departure from past practices, which left residents shocked and unprepared for the flooding.
“We urge the central Government to swiftly respond to this crisis. The affected communities are in dire need of emergency assistance that goes beyond individual efforts. Immediate relief is essential to prevent further harm to the residents,” the statement said.
The consequences of the spillage have been far-reaching. Power cuts have been experienced in the affected areas, impacting essential services such as healthcare. The Adidome Hospital, for instance, has been severely affected, leaving patients in critical condition. Moreover, transportation has been severely disrupted, with roads impassable, forcing residents to resort to boats and canoes, putting their lives at risk.
The following communities have been affected by the spillage:
(a). Communities in the Central Tongu District:
- Tsetsekpo
- Siamekome
- Awadiwoekome
- Ameamekor
- Ganakpoetorkor
- Zortikpo
- Dugame
- Old Bakpa
- Bekpo
- Kebegodo
- Afokope
- Agbotekakope
- Kebenu
- Atsemkope
- Akpokope
- Dokpo
- Dove
- Ahokope
- Atitekpo
- Aklamador
- Gbadakope
- Dentenu
- Dorgbadzikope
- Tuvorkope
- Akorkorlipe
- Vugodzi
- Taykope
- Ahokope
- Gbolofor
- Akuwakpoe
(b). Communities in the South Tongu District
- Vume
- Tademe
- Tefle
- Sokpoe
- Sokpoe-Tordome
- Anaosukope
- Fievie
- Fievie-Adidokpoe
- Xorlortsukope
- Adoafianyakope
- Sogakope
- Gbenorkope
- Detsawome
- Agordomi
- Yorve
- Agorta
- Kpontey
- Nutekpor
- Dalive
- Tuanikope
- Amedormekope
- Gamenu-Adidokpoe
(c). Communities in the North Tongu District
- Gblornu
- Klamadaboe
- Vome
- Sikor
- Dzimakorpe
- Memordzi
- Aveyime
- Battor
- Mepe
- Tornu Dorfor
- Asimekope
- Dorfor Kome
- Dorfor London
- Afaode
- Korsive
- Sayikorfe
- Husikorfe
- Titikorfe
- Kodome
- Tege love
- Kwamla love
- Abortia Sapa
- Torgorme
(d). Communities in the Keta District including the Keta township
- Kedzikope
- Abutiakope
- Vui
- Seva
- Atiavi
- Mamime
- Hagodzi
- Agorvinu
- Sonugbe
- Wenyagor
(e) Communities affected in Anlo
- Sakome
- Agorbledokui
- Bleamezado
- Trekume
- Dosukorpe
- Nyikutor
- Suipe
- Azanu
- Nyakpatsi
- Benadzi
- Penyito
- Kpordui
- Klomikpota
- Fiaxor
- Atito
- Genui
