The Ghana Armed Forces(GAF) has debunked claims of withdrawing military personnel deployed to Mepe in the Volta Region to assist the Akosombo Dam spillage victims.
In a press release dated October 22, GAF stated that “the information in circulation is inaccurate and that the personnel have not been given any ‘orders from above’ to withdraw from Mepe or any other community affected by the spillage contrary to the social media posts”.
“It must be emphasized that the Humanitarian Relief Operations (Operation Boafo), being conducted by the Ghana Navy’s Riverine Command and the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Army, is being executed in phases. As of October 22 2023, the situation in Mepe has been brought under considerable control, and therefore, it became necessary to urgently redeploy some personnel and equipment to other distressed communities around Battor and its environs, which were in dire need of support”.
GAF further stated that extended support to the affected victims will continue unabated.
“GAF, therefore, wishes to assure the general public that as recently reported in the media of the thousands of persons rescued and marked efforts being made to support victims, it will not relent in the quest to ensure urgent, equitable and appropriate response and support to all persons and communities affected by spillage in conjunction with all stakeholders”.
The spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam has displaced thousands while many houses and farms have been submerged in the Volta Region.
The Volta River Authority (VRA) stated that it was necessary to spill excess water to protect the integrity of the dam, but residents claimed that they were not given prior warning.
Dozens of towns have been affected in the Volta Region, including some areas in the Oti Region and the Eastern Region.
President Nana Akufo-Addo has visited some affected areas with relief efforts being intensified.
Below is the full statement from GAF.
