The government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Works and Housing, has announced the construction of 1,000 housing units to support individuals displaced by the devastating Akosombo Dam spillage.
This announcement was made by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, at a press conference in Accra on Monday, September 30, 2024, where he outlined the government’s efforts to alleviate the challenges faced by those affected.
The spillage, which occurred on October 15, 2023, severely impacted communities along the Lower Volta Basin, leaving approximately 88,000 people affected and destroying over 5,000 homes. Despite nearly a year passing since the incident, many victims remain displaced, grappling with the challenges of finding permanent shelter and rebuilding their lives.
In addressing these concerns, the government has prioritized housing as a key solution to ease the hardships experienced by the displaced victims. Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah emphasized that the government’s commitment to this cause is unwavering, noting that the housing project aims to provide immediate relief for the most vulnerable members of the affected communities.
Phase one of the housing project is already well underway, with 115 units currently under construction. These units, according to the Minister, have surpassed the 60 percent completion mark and are expected to be completed soon. Kojo Oppong Nkrumah had previously broken ground for the commencement of these units in April 2024, signaling the government’s swift response to the housing crisis.
In addition to the progress made in phase one, the Minister also revealed that phase two of the housing initiative has been approved. This phase will see the construction of an additional 1,010 housing units, further expanding the government’s support for the displaced victims. According to Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the government has received the necessary commencement certificate for phase two, allowing the project to proceed. However, the government is currently finalizing the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) and land acquisition processes, which are crucial steps before the actual construction can begin.
“Now already, 115 [housing] units are under construction and they have gone past the 60 percent mark. Those are the units that I went to break ground for in April 2024. We have also approved phase two of 1,010 units and we have received the commencement certificate for phase two,” the Minister announced during the press conference.
The Akosombo Dam spillage, which resulted from the dam’s overflow due to heavy rainfall, caused widespread flooding in several communities, particularly in areas surrounding the Lower Volta Basin. The scale of the disaster overwhelmed local response efforts, with many families losing their homes and livelihoods overnight. In the wake of the disaster, the government launched several relief initiatives, including the distribution of food, clothing, and temporary shelter materials. However, the housing deficit remains a pressing issue, as displaced victims continue to seek permanent solutions.
The ongoing construction of the 1,000 housing units represents a significant step forward in addressing this issue. The units are expected to provide long-term accommodation for the affected families, helping them rebuild their lives after the devastating losses they have endured. The government has also worked closely with various stakeholders, including local authorities and international partners, to ensure that the housing project meets the needs of the displaced communities.
Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah acknowledged the importance of a collaborative approach to ensure the success of the project, stating that the government remains committed to completing the housing units as swiftly as possible. He also assured the public that the government would continue to monitor the situation in the affected areas, providing necessary support until all victims have been adequately resettled.
In addition to housing, the government has been exploring other avenues to restore normalcy in the affected communities. Plans are being developed to rehabilitate critical infrastructure such as roads, schools, and healthcare facilities that were damaged during the spillage. These efforts, according to the Minister, are part of a broader strategy to revitalize the affected areas and ensure that the communities are better prepared to withstand future disasters.
As the government presses forward with the housing project, the displaced victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage can look forward to a more stable and secure future. The 1,000 housing units, coupled with the additional 1,010 units planned for phase two, will go a long way in addressing the immediate housing needs of the affected population.
While challenges remain in fully resettling all victims, the government’s proactive steps, as outlined by Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, signal a positive trajectory for those who have been displaced. The completion of these housing units will not only provide shelter but also restore a sense of normalcy and hope to the lives of the thousands of people affected by the disaster.
With construction efforts progressing, the government has reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring that the displaced victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage are provided with the necessary support to rebuild their lives.
The Minister’s announcement marks a crucial milestone in this effort, underscoring the government’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis and delivering lasting solutions for the people of the Lower Volta Basin.
