One year after Akosombo Dam spillage: Victims still stranded

One year after the devastating Akosombo Dam spillage, thousands of displaced victims continue to struggle with harsh living conditions and uncertainty, as many remain stranded without proper housing or support.

The Volta River Authority (VRA) opened the floodgates of the dam on September 15, 2023, to safeguard its structural integrity from rising water levels, but in the process, it displaced 1000s of families in the lower Volta basin.

Since the disaster, progress in resettling the affected communities has been slow.

Many victims are still living in temporary shelters, including tents and classrooms, without any clear timeline for when they will receive permanent housing.

The delay in government intervention, combined with the silence from the VRA, has deepened the woes of those affected.

Several victims have spoken out, expressing their disappointment over the lack of progress.

In an interview with Joy News monitored by ModernGhana News, one farmer shared his frustration.

He said, “I had about ten acres of cassava, and now all of it has turned into firewood. The VRA has not provided any updates on our situation… how are we supposed to survive?”

Another victim, a pig farmer, lamented the loss of her livestock, stating, “The flood ruined everything and killed my piglets. I had about eighty-five pigs. I am very upset with the VRA.”

For many, the emotional toll has been just as overwhelming. One individual, who lost his home, described the heartache of returning to his damaged property.

He said, “This is where I used to live with my family. The current situation is far from ideal, as you can see. I am now staying with my sister. Every time I return here, it’s heartbreaking. I don’t know where to start rebuilding.”