The majority caucus in Parliament has pledged GH¢30,000 to support flood victims in Ada after the Akosombo Dam spillage.
This commitment comes in response to concerns raised by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Member of Parliament for Ada, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe, about the dire situation facing pupils relying on polluted water for survival.
The Deputy Majority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, made the pledge on behalf of his colleagues after general contributions from the house.
He, personally, pledged unspecified bags of rice to be distributed to the affected people in Ada.
Adding his voice, the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joseph Osei Owusu, urged colleague MPs to provide victims with potable water to prevent potential health crises.
The controlled spillage from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, initiated on September 15, 2023, became necessary due to heavy rainfall in the Volta River catchment, causing a rapid rise in the water level in the Akosombo Dam.
This measure was taken to prevent overtopping and to protect the dam’s integrity.
As of early October, the water level continued to rise rapidly, surpassing the maximum operating level of 276 feet.
Consequently, the VRA increased the spill rate from October 9, 2023, flooding several communities in the North, South, and Central Tongu District and the Ada East District.
Throughout this period, high-level members of the VRA and the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) were present in the affected areas, assessing the impact of the spill and providing relief items alongside educational outreach on safety in the communities.
The VRA and NADMO have been evacuating affected individuals to safe havens on higher ground, ensuring their safety during these challenging times.