Accra: Reverend Jacob Reddekopp, a missionary residing at the foot of the Adaklu mountain, is defying a directive from Mr. James Gunu, Volta Regional Minister, to vacate the area. The directive was issued following a catastrophic mudslide that occurred on May 20, 2026, which resulted in significant damage and prompted the designation of the area as a disaster zone.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Desmond Sesi, Adaklu District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), confirmed the situation. The directive to vacate was given after Mr. Gunu led a delegation to assess the aftermath of the mudslide, which carried heavy rocks and buried at least five houses and several vehicles. The Minister emphasized the need for the area to be cordoned off for safety reasons, declaring it a security zone.
Mr. Sesi further explained that a private school owned by Rev. Reddekopp, located at the base of the mountain, was temporarily closed following the directive. However, Rev. Reddekopp has yet to relocate, citing uncertainty about where to move. Efforts are being made by Mr. Jerry Ameko, Adaklu District Chief Executive, and Chairman of the District Security Committee, in collaboration with the District Education Directorate and NADMO, to transfer students to nearby schools to prevent disruption in their education.
Meetings have been held with Rev. Reddekopp to advise him on the importance of relocating to a safer area. Mr. Sesi reiterated the determination to enforce the directive, ensuring that Rev. Reddekopp complies with the evacuation order.
Mr. Governs Kwame Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways and Member of Parliament for Adaklu, also part of the delegation, highlighted the role of human activities such as deforestation in exacerbating natural disasters. He urged the community to cease such practices to reduce the risk of future catastrophes.
The mudslide on May 20 was the second such incident in the area. Two individuals injured in the event were treated at the Ho Teaching Hospital and subsequently discharged. Attempts by the Ghana News Agency to reach Rev. Reddekopp for comments were unsuccessful.