Akosombo dam spillage: Health officers warn of possible outbreak of waterborne diseases

The Volta Regional Health Directorate has raised concerns about the possible outbreak of waterborne diseases following the flooding incident that occurred in some districts in the Volta Region.

The Akosombo dam spillage which began on September 15 has wreaked havoc, especially in the North Tongu, Central Tongu, and South Tongu districts in the Volta Region as homes are flooded and many latrines and open places of convenience destructed leaving those evacuated to only survive on a few washrooms available.

The Volta Regional Environmental Health Officer, Stella Kumedzro, speaking to the media said the flood incident in affected communities can lead to water-related diseases like skin rashes, diarrhoea, typhoid, and others therefore authorities should provide safe drinking water to the affected communities.

“Most of the people I saw still use that surface water for cooking, bathing, and other household chores. So the implications for public health are that it will trigger water-related diseases, skin rashes, diarrhoea, typhoid, and so on. And so it is a very terrible situation at hand. I want to appeal to all well-meaning Ghanaians, our wonderful development partners, to come to the aid of residents of Mepe in the North Tongu district,” she said.

The North Tongu District Health Director, Michael Kofi Zigah, also noted that the flooding incident is affecting healthcare delivery in the district.

“Currently, a lot of communities have been displaced in the district. Once communities are displaced, they will not have access to the regular facilities they used to have. They will not have access to portable water, sanitary facilities, and routine health services,” he said.

“Because it is more or less like a campout. And that is affecting service delivery and the health of the people. But the fortunate thing is that as a district, we managed to operationalize a mobile clinic here,” he added.

The government and other stakeholders have promised to provide support for the affected communities in the Volta Region.

A 13-member inter-ministerial committee has been established to coordinate the government’s efforts in assisting and providing relief to those affected by the flooding.

Chaired by the Chief of Staff, Akosua Frema Osei-Opare, the committee includes key government officials from various ministries.

President Akufo Addo and the 13-member inter-ministerial committee will be visiting the affected communities today October 16 to show their support and solidarity to the victims of this unfortunate situation.