Kumasi: The Council of Ewe Chiefs spanning the Ashanti, Ahafo, and Bono Regions has voiced the necessity for a unified approach to assist victims of the recent Akosombo and Kpong dams spillage in returning to their daily routines. Togbuiga Mawufeame Fugah, the Council's leader, highlighted the pressing need for collaborative efforts to ease the suffering of the numerous affected individuals during a press briefing in Kumasi.
According to Ghana News Agency, The head of the Council expressed the group's profound sorrow over the tragic event. Togbuiga Mawufeame Fugah conveyed his sympathies to the displaced individuals, saying, "We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate development and wish to express our condolences to the displaced persons." The Council has expressed particular concern about the large number of individuals, primarily farmers, who have seen their means of subsistence vanish due to the catastrophe.
Citing statistics from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), it's reported that around 26,000 residents in the Volta Region are now homeless as a result of the dam spillage. Numerous properties have been destroyed, and the daily lives of residents in the North, South, and Central Tongu communities have been severely affected.
Before the spillage, the Volta River Authority (VRA) had advised communities in the catchment areas to relocate to higher terrains, indicating controlled spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams was imminent. Aware of the increasing water levels both upstream and downstream, the authorities also carried out a simulation exercise for these communities to raise awareness about the impending spillage.
Concluding his remarks, Togbuiga Fugah assured that the Council would persistently offer prayers for all those impacted by this recent calamity.