Residents of Adidome in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region have issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG), demanding the immediate restoration of power to their community. They are among affected groups in the North, Central, and South Tongu districts of the Volta Region, as well as the Asuogyaman District in the Eastern Region.

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In a press statement issued by the office of the Assembly Member for the area, Guggisberg Fiagbenu, on behalf of the affected residents and business owners expressed growing frustration over unreliable power supply and what they perceive as unjustified charges. Many residents believe their electricity costs have been inflated since the flooding, making financial recovery even more difficult.

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Residents are pressing ECG to issue timely notifications ahead of power interruptions, enabling businesses and households to make adequate arrangements. Additionally, they are requesting awareness initiatives on ECG’s digital platforms and urging corrective action against personnel exhibiting unprofessional conduct.

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“The disconnection exercise, which was carried out two weeks ago without priornotice to residents, has resulted in significant inconvenience and economichardship for many households and businesses in the area. As the elected representative of the people of Adidome Central Electoral Area, it is my duty to advocate for their rights and interests.

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Residents of Adidome have raised several concerns regarding the disconnection exercise, including: Lack of Actual Bills: Since the flood situations from the Akosombo and Kpong Dams, some residents have not received actual bills from ECG for due payment. Estimated Bills: Over 98% of residents, who were victims of the flood,were tasked to pay estimated bills.

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This is not helpful in remedying situations in the enclave,” parts of the statement read. In 2023, spillage from the dam submerged homes, businesses, schools, hospitals, and farmlands, forcing thousands of residents to flee. The controlled release of water severely affected Indigenous communities along the Volta River, with Mepe bearing the brunt of the devastation.

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Initially, reports estimated that 8,000 people across eight communities had been displaced. However, by October 19, this figure had surged to a staggering 31,000. Many sought refuge with relatives in other areas, while others are confined to temporary shelters as floodwaters continue to engulf their communities due to the Volta River Authority (VRA) spillage.

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The Akosombo Dam, with its vast storage capacity of 150 billion cubic meters and an optimal operating level of 276 feet, has been a vital provider of hydroelectric power in Ghana.

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