President John Dramani Mahama has assured victims of the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage that government will begin paying compensation this year, following the completion of ongoing verification and assessment processes.
Speaking at the sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of a 24-hour economy model market at Juapong in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region, President Mahama acknowledged the hardship suffered by affected communities and reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting their recovery.
“The spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams caused significant hardship for many families, affecting homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods across several communities.”
The President said the necessary verification, assessment and administrative procedures are nearing completion to ensure a fair and transparent compensation process.
“The necessary verification, assessment, and administrative processes relating to compensation are being concluded, and I wish to assure all affected people that government remains committed to ensuring that the process is finalized fairly, transparently, and responsibly.”
President Mahama disclosed that the Minister for Finance has already made budgetary provision this year to commence compensation payments.
“Once this process is finalized, the Minister of Finance made allocation in this year’s budget to start the payment of compensation. If the money allocated is not enough, allocation will be made in next year’s budget to continue the payments.”
He stressed that government’s support for affected communities extends beyond compensation, adding that efforts are also focused on restoring livelihoods, rebuilding communities and strengthening resilience against future disasters.
“Our commitment goes beyond compensation. We remain focused on supporting recovery efforts that restore livelihoods, rebuild communities, and strengthen resilience against future challenges.”
