Tongu (V/R), April 01, – Nearly three years after the devastating Akosombo Dam spillage, thousands of displaced residents in the Tongu enclave of the Volta Region are still awaiting permanent resettlement.
Togbe Komla Sakpiti V, Chief of Bakpa Awadiwoekome, has called for urgent government intervention to address the plight of flood victims who continue to live in precarious conditions.
The September–October 2023 spillage displaced communities across North, Central, and South Tongu, destroying homes, farmlands, and critical infrastructure, including health facilities.
Despite initial government assurances and the establishment of committees to oversee resettlement, many affected families remain in makeshift tents, classrooms, or with relatives, with no clear timeline for permanent housing.
Togbe Sakpiti V said successive administrations had announced interventions, including funding arrangements, but implementation had stalled.
“A resettlement panel formed under the previous administration was later dissolved during the 2024 political transition and reconstituted by the current government,” he explained.
He noted that beyond the physical destruction, the floods had created deep social strain, with families separated between camps and host communities, and growing frustration among the youth.
The chief said residents continued to endure harsh conditions, including leaking shelters, unsafe water sources, limited healthcare access, and lack of structured livelihood support.
He further expressed concern over the absence of a clear implementation timeline and a transparent beneficiary register, which he said had heightened uncertainty and mistrust.
“With the rainy season approaching and warnings of possible future controlled spillages, there is the need to immediately resolve this problem,” he stressed.
He urged authorities to provide a comprehensive update on the resettlement programme, publish a verified list of beneficiaries, and begin visible construction works in affected communities such as Bakpa Awadiwoekome.
Residents also expressed frustration over the slow pace of progress. “We don’t know whether to rebuild or keep waiting,” an elder lamented.
Communities including Degorme, Aveyime, and nearby island settlements continue to host displaced persons, among them pregnant women, children, and fishermen who have lost their livelihoods.
For many, daily life remains a struggle, as they depend on temporary shelters and the support of relatives while awaiting a lasting solution.
GHBUSS
April 01, 2026
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