Former President and the 2024 flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Mahama, has appealed to the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite their efforts in assisting residents in communities along the Volta River who have been affected by the spillage from the Akosombo Dam.

The flooding caused by the spillage has led to the evacuation of numerous communities in the north, south, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region.

As a result, many residents are left with no alternative but to attempt to salvage their remaining belongings. On Friday, Mr. Mahama conducted a visit to areas in Sogakope and Sokpoe to assess the consequences of the spillage and engage with the affected communities and families.

The situation is critical, with even the staff of Comboni Hospital having to evacuate their quarters and take refuge under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, leaving only ten individuals in critical condition. If the water levels do not recede soon, they may also need to be discharged.

"It's heartbreaking that we may have to let go of these patients," a nurse said. "But if things don't get better, we won't have any other choice."

Following his visit and discussions with residents, as well as management and staff of the Comboni Hospital, the former President emphasized the importance of the VRA promptly delivering the promised relief support to the impacted communities.

In his words, "This is about people's lives. I will thank the VRA and appeal to them to expedite their efforts because the people are in need. We must help them to cope with the situation."

He expressed his disappointment over the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) being unable to provide assistance to the affected communities, primarily due to the absence of relief items.

Moreover, he observed that the spillage was a consequence of substantial inflows from areas upstream of the dam due to heavy rainfall in the northern regions of the country. He offered advice to the VRA, suggesting that they should contemplate river desilting as a proactive measure.

"If you don't spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially down the southern Volta. But we must dredge so that the extra volumes of water can flow faster. For example, under the Volta Bridge is silted. If it is de-silted, the water will flow away faster."

To underscore the pressing need for relief initiatives and the gravity of the situation affecting the people, Mr. Mahama raised the possibility of the hospital having to request families to take custody of the 300 deceased individuals from the mortuary and arrange alternate accommodations for them.

"We need the government to take this seriously," a community leader told Mr Mahama. "The lives of our people are at stake, and their well-being should be a top priority."