'We have not forgotten you': Mahama pledges compensation for Akosombo flood victims as payments near

Government says verification is almost complete, promises fair and transparent compensation for thousands displaced by 2023 dam spillage

Nearly two years after the devastating Akosombo Dam spillage displaced thousands of people and destroyed homes, farms and businesses across the Volta Basin, President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the government is in the final stages of processing compensation for affected victims.

Addressing residents during his Resetting Ghana Tour of the Volta Region on Thursday, President Mahama said the verification, assessment and administrative procedures required before payments can begin are nearing completion, raising fresh hopes for thousands of families still struggling to recover from one of Ghana's worst environmental disasters in recent history.

The President assured victims that the compensation exercise would be carried out fairly, transparently and responsibly to ensure that every eligible person receives the support they deserve.

"The necessary verification, assessment and administrative processes relating to compensation are being concluded," President Mahama said.

"I wish to assure all affected people that government remains committed to ensuring that the process is finalised fairly, transparently and responsibly."

He added that once the process is completed, the Minister for Finance will release funds allocated in this year's budget to commence compensation payments.

Relief finally in sight

The announcement comes after months of uncertainty for thousands of residents whose lives were turned upside down when the Volta River Authority (VRA) undertook controlled spillages from the Akosombo and Kpong dams in 2023 to protect the structural integrity of the facilities.

The exercise, although considered necessary, triggered widespread flooding across several communities in the Volta, Eastern and Greater Accra regions.

Entire communities were submerged.

Homes collapsed under floodwaters.

Thousands of hectares of farmland were destroyed.

Small businesses disappeared overnight.

Schools, clinics and roads were severely damaged, while many families were forced into temporary shelters after losing virtually everything.

For many victims, the disaster was not merely a temporary disruption but the beginning of a prolonged humanitarian and economic crisis from which many are yet to recover.

Government commits GH¢225 million

Recognising the scale of the devastation, the government earmarked GH¢225 million in the 2025 Budget Statement to begin compensating victims of the disaster.

President Mahama disclosed that the allocation marks only the first phase of government support.

He said if the current allocation proves insufficient to meet the needs of all verified beneficiaries, additional resources will be provided in the next national budget.

"The resilience of the people of this region has been tested in recent years," the President said.

"The spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong dams caused significant hardship for many families, affecting homes, farms, businesses and livelihoods across several communities."

He stressed that government has remained actively engaged in addressing the aftermath of the disaster despite the

complexity of the compensation process.

A long wait for justice

For affected communities, the President's latest assurance may represent the clearest indication yet that compensation payments are finally within reach.

Many flood victims have repeatedly called for financial support, arguing that rebuilding homes, replacing farming equipment and restarting businesses have remained beyond their means.

Community leaders have consistently urged government to expedite the process, warning that prolonged delays continue to deepen poverty and economic hardship in affected areas.

The compensation programme is expected to provide critical relief for households still grappling with the consequences of lost incomes, damaged properties and disrupted livelihoods.

More than compensation

Beyond financial assistance, analysts say the Akosombo disaster exposed Ghana's growing vulnerability to climate-related disasters and highlighted the urgent need for stronger disaster preparedness, improved flood management systems and resilient infrastructure.

Experts argue that while compensation will help victims recover, long-term investments in flood-control measures, early warning systems and climate adaptation will be essential to reduce the impact of similar disasters in the future.

For thousands of affected families, however, the immediate priority remains receiving the financial support needed to rebuild their lives.

With government now signalling that verification is almost complete, many hope the long wait for compensation may soon be over.