Upper Manya Krobo, Eastern Region, Ghana – A surge in water levels upstream of the Volta Lake has unleashed a devastating flood crisis, resulting in the displacement of about 1,255 residents in the Upper Manya Krobo district of the Eastern Region, Ghana.
This catastrophic flood has been primarily triggered by rising water level due to slow spillage from the Akosombo Hydroelectric Dam.
The dam’s slow release of water has compounded the crisis, exacerbating the flooding situation in upstream areas.
Continuous spillage from the Akosombo Dam is essential to reduce the rising water levels upstream.
However, this action comes at the cost of worsening flooding downstream Communities.
As a result, numerous homes in the Upper Manya Krobo district upstream of the Volta lake have been submerged, and buildings have crumbled under the relentless force of the surging waters.
Fishing communities such as Akanten, Ayesu, Battorkope, Akorkorma Sisi, Kumakuma, Puorkper, Djogbe, Akrusu, and Kpersebi, all located in Upper Manya Krobo, find themselves inundated, with many houses fully submerged.
The situation has escalated to the point where the Electricity Company of Ghana was compelled to disconnect power supply to the affected communities. This measure was taken weeks ago due to the imminent risk posed by nearly submerged electricity poles.
The once-bustling Akaten market, where traders and farmers traditionally gather on Wednesdays and Thursdays, now lies beneath the floodwaters, causing severe disruptions to the local economy.
In response to this crisis, Member of Parliament for Upper Manya Krobo, Bismark Tetteh Nyarko, undertook a visit to the afflicted communities on Tuesday, October 10, 2023.
He was accompanied by officials from the Ghana National Fire Service and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO).
Hon. Bismark Tetteh Nyarko acknowledged the severe disruption the flood has caused in the fishing communities, emphasizing the need for swift action.
He urged the Upper Manya Krobo District Assembly to release the 3% allocation of the District Assembly Common Fund, earmarked for disaster management, to assist the flood victims.
Akor Samuel Odehi, the Upper Manya District NADMO Director, highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that the number of victims continues to rise daily.
To mitigate the potential fire hazard resulting from premix fuel stored in submerged homes, DOII Walter Drayi, the Upper Manya District Fire Commander, has initiated proactive measures to avert such a disaster.
He also appealed for silver boats to help attend to hazards on waters.
As the situation continues to unfold, the people of Upper Manya Krobo confront an uncertain future.
The Akosombo Dam, usually a symbol of progress, has become a stark reminder of the delicate balance between human development and the forces of nature.
This dire scenario has prompted the resilient communities along the Volta Lake to unite, seeking assistance and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Source: Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
