Former President and NDC's 2024 flagbearer, John Mahama, has urged the Volta River Authority (VRA) to expedite support for residents in communities along the Volta River affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.

Communities in the North, South, and Central Tongu districts of the Volta Region have been forced to evacuate due to the flooding caused by the dam spillage. This situation has left them with no choice but to salvage their remaining belongings.

Mr. Mahama visited parts of Sogakope and Sokpoe on Friday to assess the impact of the spillage and meet with the affected communities and facilities.

The situation is dire, with Comboni Hospital staff evacuating their quarters and seeking shelter under a pavilion. Patients have also been discharged, with only ten in critical condition remaining. If the water levels do not recede soon, they, too, may have 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."

The former President urged the VRA to swiftly deliver the promised relief efforts to the affected communities following his visit and interactions with residents, management, and staff of the Comboni hospital.

He emphasized, "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 cope with the situation."

Mr. Mahama expressed his disappointment that the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has been unable to assist the affected communities due to a lack of relief items.

He also noted that the spillage was caused by large inflows from above the dam due to heavy rains in the northern parts of the country. He advised the VRA to consider desilting the river to allow for faster water flow.

"If you don't spill, it is possible that the dam can give way, and that will be more catastrophic, especially in 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 desilted, the water will flow away faster."

To emphasize the urgency of relief efforts and the impact of the situation on people, Mr. Mahama mentioned the possibility of the hospital asking families to collect the 300 dead bodies from the mortuary and find other places to accommodate them.

“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.”