No genuine Akosombo flood victim will be left out of compensation – Mahama

By: Eugene Dogbatse Atsu
President John Dramani Mahama has assured victims of the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage that all deserving beneficiaries will be compensated as the government finalises arrangements for payments.

The President gave the assurance during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region, where he addressed concerns from residents and community leaders about compensation for losses suffered during the devastating floods caused by the controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam.

According to him, the government is committed to ensuring that the compensation process is transparent, fair and inclusive.

“No genuine victim will be left out of the compensation exercise. We are finalising the processes and making sure that those who were truly affected receive the support that is due them,” President Mahama said.

The Akosombo Dam spillage in 2023 led to severe flooding across several communities in the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions. Thousands of residents were displaced, while homes, farmlands, businesses and public facilities were destroyed.

President Mahama acknowledged the hardship endured by affected families and said government remains determined to help communities recover from the disaster.

“We understand the difficulties many families have faced since the floods. That is why we are working diligently to ensure compensation is paid and livelihoods are restored,” he added.

To support the exercise, the government has allocated GH¢225 million in the 2025 Budget for compensation and recovery efforts. The President indicated that additional resources could be mobilised if the allocated amount proves insufficient.

“If the funds set aside are not enough, we will look for additional resources to make sure all legitimate claims are addressed,” he stated.

The compensation programme is expected to provide relief to thousands of people who have been awaiting support since the disaster struck nearly three years ago.

Many affected residents have consistently appealed to government for assistance, citing ongoing economic challenges and the slow pace of recovery.

His latest assurance is expected to boost confidence among flood victims as the government moves closer to implementing one of the most anticipated recovery measures following the Akosombo Dam disaster.