Poverty, despair, and pain were palpable on that fateful Saturday, October 21, 2023, when I witnessed the heart-wrenching scenes in the vicinity of Lower Volta.
The unforgiving forces of nature had ruthlessly dismantled what humans had painstakingly built over decades, if not a century of their lives.
The release of water from the Akosombo Dam has resulted in extensive flooding, inflicting anguish and uprooting countless residents living downstream from their houses.
During a humanitarian mission organized by Citi FM and Citi TV, I was granted an up-close view of the ordeal endured by the flood victims, forcibly displaced from their homes in the wake of the Akosombo Dam spillage. The sole purpose of this outreach was to rekindle hope among those who had been affected.
Inhabitants of Mafi Aklamador and New Bakpa, both in the Central Tongu district, Agave Asidowhui community, Agbeve and Sokpoe in the South Tongu district all in the Volta Region and some island communities in the Ada East district –Kewuse and Mutkunya all benefited from the gesture.
It is a collective responsibility to ensure that no one is left behind, for these individuals bear no responsibility for the loss of their lives and livelihoods.
Departing from my home at 5 AM on that Saturday, I embarked on a journey to Lower Volta with a sense of uncertainty about what lay ahead. Along the way, the devastation wrought by the Akosombo Dam spillage became painfully evident. Not even the former President Jerry John Rawlings’ residence was spared from the wrath of the rushing waters.
Our path led us to Sogakope, and we continued to Sokpoe. It was in Sokpoe that I was deeply moved by an elderly lady, her eyes filled with despair, patiently waiting for the relief efforts of Citi FM/TV. I couldn’t help but wonder what had she done to deserve such pain?
I approached her, attempting to communicate, but the language barrier hindered our exchange. However, from her expressions, it was clear that she sought sustenance, and this realization shattered my heart. Her anguish mirrored the sentiments of the people in Sokpoe who had been displaced.
A section of staff of Citi FM/TV accompanied Fred Duhoe, as we visited the Agave Asidowhui community. Fred Duhoe had spent the past few days documenting the harrowing effects of the Akosombo Dam spillage, painting vivid pictures for our dedicated audience.
On the way to Asidowui and Agarve, I couldn’t ignore the wretched state of the roads. They not only bore physical scars but also seemed to convey abandonment, almost as if no one existed beyond the cracked, dusty paths.
After 40 minutes of travel, the absence of schools, hospitals, or places of worship began to weigh heavily on my mind—these foundational pillars that bind every Ghanaian community together. Despite scattered houses and small communities, there were no educational institutions or healthcare facilities in sight. How could these children dream of becoming doctors, teachers, or pilots? We’re they even attending school?
My relief was palpable when, after 45 minutes of searching, I finally spotted a school. Next came a desolate building known as Mahama’s E-Block, raising more questions.
Finally, we arrived at Asidowui, a school that had become a refuge for those who had escaped the floods caused by the dam spillage. Much like in Sokpoe, these people were no different, but their dejection was more pronounced. They had heard of relief efforts but had yet to receive any assistance.
During my time at Asidowui, I engaged with several individuals who recounted how they had lost their means of living and were desperate for sustenance. One gentleman named Samuel shared a harrowing tale of swimming to safety, losing his farm and canoe in the process, and now owning nothing but a pair of jeans, a stained white shirt, and borrowed slippers.
I also spoke with a young lady who aspired to be a teacher, deeply admiring her own teacher who had been forced to return to Accra due to the flooding. To Afi, it was a source of happiness that they had contributed to the teacher’s safety, and she hoped for their return to continue their education.
At this point, I took a moment to shed a few tears, profoundly affected by the stories I had heard.
The joy that emanated from their faces upon receiving their first taste of KFC, clean water, and free medical treatment was a poignant mix of relief and happiness. While our short-term aid brought them some solace, it also raised many more questions.
Regrettably, the outreach event soon became embroiled in political controversy, with accusations that it was being exploited for political gain. Fortunately, this misconception was swiftly addressed and extinguished.
We then moved from Asidowui to Agarve and sadly, on our way, two of our trucks got stuck. Fortunately, we secured a small truck that facilitated the transportation of relief supplies to a local church where the Agarve community received assistance.
Upon arriving in Agarve, a recurring theme of despair, akin to Sokpoe and Asidowui, became evident. Aspirations of educational empowerment, once vibrant and promising, had been abruptly snuffed out, leaving the dreams of these students in a state of indefinite suspension.
I encountered a frail elderly woman, her feeble steps guided by a nearly broken walking stick, slowly approaching us in hopes of receiving her share of the relief provisions. Witnessing her helplessness filled my heart with profound sorrow.
She received the much-needed assistance from a Citi FM/TV team member, which brought me immense relief and joy.
As the day’s activities drew to a close, the team made its way back to Sogakope before returning to our respective homes in Accra. I couldn’t help but ponder, what lies ahead for these resilient individuals.
Undoubtedly, their lives will never be the same. Although my visit was brief, the distressing conditions I witnessed in the places they once called home and the locations they’ve been relocated to leave a lasting impact.
At Citi FM/TV, our commitment to aiding these flood-affected victims remains steadfast and unwavering. If you feel any ounce of empathy, I implore you to consider making a donation and joining the effort to assist women, children, the disabled, and anyone in need.
They need education materials, they need quality water to drink and cook with, they need their livelihoods back, they need your support.
Our collective vision is to ensure no one is left behind. Together, we can provide relief to the people of Lower Volta and extend this humanitarian endeavour wherever it may lead.
By Bernard Osei
Source: citinewsroom.com
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect The Chronicle’s stance.
