The World Bank has pledged $150 million in support to Ghana to assist in addressing the humanitarian crisis in the Lower Volta region.
The Lower Volta region communities experienced a flood triggered by the controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam by the Volta River Authority (VRA) which began on September 15, 2023 and ended October 30th, 2023.
This controlled spilling by VRA was initiated in response to a consistent rise in the inflow pattern and water level of the Akosombo reservoir, had led to the submersion of thousands of residents in various areas, including South Tongu, North Tongu, Central Tongu, Asuogyaman, and others.
Residents during this development were forced to flee their homes, resulting in significant losses to their farms and businesses.
Throughout these developemnt,the Authority together with other public and private institutions have been assisting victims with some neccessary items, foods etc.
To this coalation of assistance, Michelle Keane, the Operations Manager of the World Bank in Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, made an announcement during her address at the 3rd Conference on Fisheries and Coastal Environment in Accra.
Keane expressed the World Bank’s deep empathy for the affected victims and reiterated the organization’s readiness to assist the government’s relief efforts.
She stated, “Today, we cannot discuss the issue of flooding without extending the World Bank’s sincere sympathy and concern to the ten thousand individuals who have been adversely affected by the recent floods along the Volta River.
The World Bank stands ready to assist the government in responding to this crisis.” Keane also expressed optimism that the $150 million loan facility would enable the Ghanaian government to develop a sustainable strategy to safeguard coastal communities from future flooding.
She emphasized the importance of formulating a sustainability and risk management strategy for the Volta River and Volta Delta, which would help determine safe locations for habitation and support the livelihoods of the affected population alongside the Volta River.
The $150 million funding is expected to become accessible shortly after receiving parliamentary approval under the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Programme (WACA).
