Accra: Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, has declared Adaklu Mountain a security zone following a recent mudslide. "We cannot guarantee the safety of anybody going there, so the mountain has been declared a security zone," he stated. This announcement came during a visit to assess the damage caused by the mudslide at Adaklu Helekpe, a community at the mountain's base.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Gunu led a delegation that included Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Adaklu; Mr. Jerry Yao Ameko, Adaklu District Chief Executive; and officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). The visit aimed to provide support to the affected residents.
The mudslide, triggered by over five hours of torrential rainfall, resulted in the destruction of properties, including vehicles, agricultural machinery, buildings, and personal items. Mr. Gunu instructed NADMO officials to secure the area to prevent further access and urged residents to avoid the mountain temporarily. He also recommended that the Geological Survey Department and NADMO conduct feasibility studies to determine the cause of the mudslide.
Mr. Agbodza pointed out that while natural disasters are inevitable, removing the mountain's vegetative cover could contribute to such events. The mudslide has left a deep gorge from the top to the bottom of the mountain, with water continuing to flow through it.
Reverend Jacob Reddekopp, a missionary significantly affected by the mudslide, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost. However, a woman and her three-year-old son were injured and are receiving treatment at the Ho Teaching Hospital.