Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has announced that the government has allocated GH₵242.5 million in the 2025 budget to support the victims of the 2023 Akosombo dam spillage disaster, which caused widespread damage in the lower Volta basin.

In his budget presentation on Tuesday, March 11 in Parliament, Dr Forson expressed the government's commitment to providing relief and assistance to the affected communities, emphasising the importance of aiding those who suffered due to the disaster.

"We have allocated again an amount of GH₵242.5 million to support the victims of the Akosompo dam spillage," he said.

Background

The Akosombo dam spillage disaster, which occurred in mid-2023, was the result of a planned release of water from the dam due to heavy rainfall, aimed at preventing the dam from overflowing.

However, the sudden and large-scale release of water led to significant flooding in the surrounding areas, particularly in the Volta Region. Thousands of people were displaced, homes and farms were destroyed, and critical infrastructure was severely damaged.

The spillage affected communities along the lower Volta River, with entire villages submerged under water. Many people lost their livelihoods, while others faced long-term displacement due to the damage to their homes and the destruction of crops.

In addition, essential infrastructure such as roads, schools, and health facilities were heavily impacted, exacerbating the hardship faced by residents.

Dr Forson’s announcement comes as part of the NDC government's wider efforts to address the socio-economic challenges faced by the country, including responding to natural disasters that have had severe impact on vulnerable communities.