The Ghana Navy has disclosed that over 8,000 people have been rescued from flood-stricken areas as a result of the destructive spillage from the Akosombo Dam.
Commodore EA Kwafo from the Naval Training Command during an update on the floods at Mepe in the Volta Region said the combined rescue team deployed to the affected districts is currently monitoring critical infrastructure and responding to distress calls in order to neutralise the effect of the damage caused by the spillage.
He added that more personnel and logistics would be deployed if the rescuers become inundated with the current efforts being executed.
“We are monitoring critical infrastructure as well as responding to distress calls from the district assemblies, VRA, and NADMO and we have been rescuing people on the water and we are monitoring the estuary because it becomes a deathtrap in times of flooding.
“We were keeping watch on critical infrastructure and as of yesterday evening, we had evacuated over 8,000 flood-stricken people to safe havens and we have brought over ten more boats downstream and experienced divers and lifesavers to assist in the rescue efforts.”
“Depending on how it goes, we may bring in more facilities and more personnel or if the situation improves, then, we may be keeping a watch anyway and we are ready to respond to any distress call and help save lives and properties to help mitigate the losses during this difficult times,” Commodore EA Kwafo further assured.
The VRA commenced the controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on September 15, 2023, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir.
Thousands of residents in South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and several other residents have had their homes submerged due to the spillage.
In a related story, the Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has asked the government to as a matter of urgency include the Minister of Health, Kwaku Agyemang-Manu on the committee established to coordinate the government resources regarding the spillage of the Akosombo dam that has led to thousands being displaced.
That, the association said was imperative because of the crucial role the sector ministry played in relief efforts.
A 13-member inter-ministerial committee was established on October 13, 2023, to coordinate the government’s response to victims affected by the Akosombo dam spillage.
Chaired by the Chief of staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the other members of the committee include the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah; Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; Defence Minister, Dominic Nitiwul; Energy Minister, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh; Finance Minister, Ken Ofori-Atta and the Minister of Local Government, Daniel Kwaku Botwe. Read More >>>
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