The General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, Ghana, Reverend Dr Stephen Yenusom Wengam, has urged authorities to find a long-term solution to the perennial flooding and its related destructions caused by the spillage of the Akosombo Dam.
This follows the recent spillage of water from the Akosombo and Kpong dams by the Volta River Authority(VRA), which has submerged many communities along the lower Volta Basin.
Addressing journalists in Accra on Tuesday, October 17, Rev Wengam said, “We believe finding a permanent solution to the impact of flood waters any time there’s a spillage of water from any of the dams in Ghana will be most welcome.
“Engineering solutions, massive education and effective sanctions against environmental degradation should, therefore, be intensified on all fronts if we decide, as a nation, to be serious in finding long-term answers to the flooding and other nagging environmental questions,” he emphasised.
He further announced church support of GH¢20,000 and other relief items for victims severely impacted by the spillage. He urged all Ghanaians to support the government in bringing the situation under control.
“The stark reality is that the government and government agencies alone cannot shoulder the huge burden of bringing the requisite relief and hope to the hopeless victims of this untold disaster. This is the time, therefore, for Ghanaians of all social backgrounds, financial standing, political affiliations, and ethnic extractions to rally to the aid of the suffering fathers, mothers and children. Corporate Ghana and other benevolent bodies must also identify themselves with the humanitarian efforts while counsellors and psychologists do their bit,” he said.
“As a religious organisation born in prayer and rooted in the power of prayer, Assemblies of God, Ghana urges other faith-based groups to join in tenacious prayers for divine intervention in the flood disaster,” Dr Wengam continued.
“On our part, the Assemblies of God, Ghana, will donate GH¢20,000 and other relief items to help alleviate the plight of the victims.”
The Volta River Authority (VRA) commenced the controlled water spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong dams on September 15, 2023, due to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir.
At least 26,000 people in South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and neighbouring communities have been displaced by the spillage, with property running into thousands lost.