Ghana's government will begin paying compensation to victims of the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage before the end of this year. President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Finance Minister to release the necessary funds to facilitate these payments. This commitment aims to alleviate the severe economic and social hardships faced by thousands in the Volta Region.
Volta Regional Minister James Gunu confirmed this development, stating that processes are underway with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition. The compensation targets individuals and communities severely impacted by the dam spillage in October 2023. The disaster displaced over 40,000 people and destroyed homes, farms, and livelihoods across several districts.
This government action follows widespread calls for support and relief for affected communities. The Akosombo Dam spillage caused extensive flooding, disrupting economic activities and displacing residents. The government's intervention underscores its commitment to addressing the humanitarian and economic fallout from the incident. Previous relief efforts included providing temporary shelter and essential supplies.
Mr. Gunu made these remarks during the 3rd Volta Regional Coordinating Council meeting on Thursday, August 20, 2026. He highlighted the President's direct involvement in ensuring timely financial support for the victims. This directive signals a critical step towards recovery for the affected areas.
The compensation payments are expected to provide much-needed financial relief to families rebuilding their lives. This initiative will help restore economic stability in the affected districts of the Volta Region. It also demonstrates the government's responsiveness to a major national disaster. The financial outlay for these payments will be a significant item in the national budget.
Beyond compensation, the government is also addressing broader infrastructure and energy challenges in the Volta Region. GRIDCo plans to establish a substation at Adaklu, aiming to provide a more reliable power supply to Ho. This project will disconnect Ho from the Asikpe network, improving energy security for the regional capital. Additionally, 306 communities are set to benefit from a special electricity connectivity initiative in collaboration with the Energy Ministry.
Industrial development is also a focus, with a strategic investor secured for Volta Textiles Limited. The company plans to resume operations, sourcing cotton from neighbouring Benin to ensure continuous production. This revival is expected to create jobs and boost the local economy. The Volta Economic Corridor project is also progressing, alongside efforts to complete the regional cultural centre.
In the water and sanitation sector, 184 boreholes are being drilled and mechanised across the region. Of these, 62 have already been completed and delivered, improving access to clean water. Road infrastructure is also seeing significant investment through the Big Push road projects. These projects aim to enhance connectivity among Ho West, Ho, Agotime-Ziope, Adaklu, Akatsi North, Ketu North, and Ketu South. The ongoing sea defence projects are approximately 40 percent complete, with a target completion date of 2028 for several major projects.
Preparations are also advanced for the construction of the proposed Aflao Market. Feasibility studies and design works are complete, and a right of entry has been secured. President Mahama secured a 30 million dollar grant from the Chinese government for this project. The government is currently working with the Finance Ministry and the Local Government Ministry to secure financial commitment authorisation. This will allow procurement for the contractor to commence, with President Mahama expected to return for the sod-cutting ceremony.
These various development projects, alongside the compensation payments, underscore a comprehensive approach to regional development. The government's focus on infrastructure, energy, and economic revival aims to foster long-term growth. The compensation for spillage victims is a critical component of this broader strategy, addressing immediate needs while paving the way for future prosperity.