Government to allocate GHC 220million to Akosombo Dam spillage victims

The Minister of Finance, Ken Ofori-Atta has stated that the government has budgeted an amount of 220 million for victims of the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillages. He made this disclosure during the release of the 2024 budget reading.

According to Hon. Ken Ofori-Atta, the budgeted money would be used to support the relief phase for affected communities of the Dam Spillage. He further added that relief items would cater to people beyond the Volta and Eastern regions including the Savannah, Oti, and Bono East Regions of Ghana.

The Minister also revealed that government is preparing for a restoration phase to help victims recover from the spillage. He told the house that the government would collaborate with the Ministry of Agriculture to restore the livelihoods of victims. He also added that these victims will be compensated and also support the infrastructural needs of victims.

“We have requested funding from the World Bank under the IDA Crisis Response Window (CRW) to support the settlement of victims, restoration of livelihoods, compensation and reconstruction of infrastructure in the affected communities,” he said

The Finance Minister also empathized with the victims of the spillage. He recounted his visit to the affected areas and described the experience as sobbing and disheartening. He also acknowledged the fact that no lives were lost despite the devastating nature of the spillage.