Nearly three years after the Akosombo and Kpong dam spillage devastated communities in the Volta Region, thousands of affected residents are still awaiting compensation for the destruction of their homes, farms, businesses and other sources of livelihood.

The controlled spillage, undertaken by the Volta River Authority (VRA) in 2023 to safeguard the Akosombo Dam from rising water levels, triggered widespread flooding across communities in the lower Volta basin. The disaster displaced thousands of people, destroyed property and agricultural lands, and left many families relying on relief support for several months.

Although government agencies and humanitarian organisations provided emergency assistance following the floods, financial compensation for victims has yet to be paid, despite persistent appeals from affected communities.

Speaking during his Resetting Ghana tour of the Volta Region on Thursday, July 16, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama assured residents that the compensation process had reached its final stages.

He disclosed that the verification and assessment of affected persons were almost complete and that the government was preparing to begin disbursing compensation.

“The resilience of the people of this region has been tested in recent years. The spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams caused significant hardship for many families, affecting homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods across several communities. The government has remained fully engaged in addressing the aftermath of that unfortunate event,” the President said.

Mr Mahama stressed that the government is committed to ensuring the compensation exercise is carried out fairly, transparently and responsibly.

“The necessary verification, assessment and administrative processes relating to compensation are being concluded. I wish to assure all affected people that the government remains committed to ensuring that the process is finalised fairly, transparently and responsibly,” he stated.

According to the President, the Ministry of Finance will release funds for compensation once the verification process has been completed.

“Once this process is finalised, the Minister of Finance will make an allocation in this year’s budget to start the payment of compensation,” he added.

The government has already earmarked GH¢225 million in the 2025 Budget to compensate victims of the flooding.

President Mahama also assured affected residents that should the allocated amount fall short of the total compensation required, additional funding would be provided in the 2027 budget to ensure every eligible victim receives compensation for their losses.