By SELORM GBORBIDZI, Accra
The government of Ghana is set to commence work on 1,010 housing units as part of phase two of its resettlement project for victims of the Akosombo Dam floods.
This development follows the construction of 115 housing units, which began in April, two months after the disaster occurred. These efforts aim to provide relief for the thousands of residents displaced by the floods.
2,225 Homes destroyed by floodwaters identified
According to the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the government has identified and verified 2,225 homes destroyed by the floodwaters—this figure represents about 40% of the claims made by residents in the affected areas.
The flood displaced approximately 36,000 residents in the lower Volta and its surrounding regions.
GH₵400 to GH₵500m funding required
The Minister revealed that the government will allocate between GH₵400 and GH₵500 million for the entire resettlement exercise, which includes rebuilding destroyed homes and replacing critical public infrastructure such as schools and health centers.
The Ministry of Works and Housing has already received commencement certificates committing GH₵200 million towards the construction of the first 1,010 houses, and an additional GH₵200 million is being sought to complete the project.
Completion of phase 1 expected by November
Mr Nkrumah further indicated that the government expects to relocate a section of the victims into their new homes by the end of November 2024.
Phase one of the resettlement project is expected to be completed within this period.
Meanwhile, plans for phase two are progressing, and the government is currently seeking approval and funding for phase three, which will continue the resettlement efforts.
Devastation from the Akosombo Dam Floods
The floods occurred when officials of the Volta River Authority opened the floodgates of the Akosombo Dam on September 15, 2023.
This release was necessary to prevent the collapse of the decades-old dam, but it caused widespread destruction to homes and infrastructure in the lower Volta, parts of the North Eastern Greater Accra Region, and other surrounding areas.
As the government continues its efforts to resettle displaced residents, the project underscores the importance of timely infrastructure investments to safeguard against future disasters.
