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Akosombo Dam spillage: Vome residents fear potential famine
A flooded portion of the communtiy
Residents of Vome, a farming community in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region and surrounding communities fear the devastating effect of the Akosombo Dam spillage could lead to famine in the area that could spread across other parts of the country.
The area is home to the cultivation of important crops such as cassava, maize, pepper, groundnuts and other staple crops.
And, a large quantity of these crops were destroyed as a result of the spillage that caused similar or even greaterwreckage to other communities along the banks of the river.
Over a month after the exercise to save the Akosombo Dam, Ghana’s largest hydro power generating plant, residents of Vome and its neighbouring communities have been rendered jobless.
They have been robbed of their daily farming activities and are currently surviving on the benevolence of individual donors and organisations.
But of greater concern to the inhabitants of the area, mostly farmers, is a fore seen food shortage to hit the area and its impact on Ghana’s food basket,with cassava and maize especially being one of Ghana’s agricultural mainstay.
Speaking to The Spectator on their behalf by the Assembly Member for the VomeElectoral Area, Mr Gabriel Kwame Wetsi confirmed, that a lot of farm produce like cassava, maize, pepper groundnuts and other staples were destroyed by the flood waters.
To him, the danger lies with the period it might take for the water to recede for farming activities to resume.
“This might lead to famine in some few months because even if the water recedes, it will take about six months to a year for the land to regain its fertility before we can start growing crops,” he said.
“This would obviously create a food shortage in the country because what it means is that the maize, cassava and other staples from this region will not come and would put pressure on those from the other regions,” he said.
Until the water recedes for the farmers to return to their farms, MrWetsi urged the government to support the people in the Vome area and its surrounding towns, since they have all lost their livelihood.
One of the community elders, Dzikpuitor Daniel Kuleke who engaged The Spectator on its tour of the area, said thewater they use for their daily activities was no longer safe for use, explaining that the spillage had washedaway theirplaces of convenience and other properties.
He said the stagnant water in the area were breeding a lot of mosquitoes,pointing out that it was no longer safe to stay outside after 5pm.
He therefore appealed to corporate bodies, individuals and government to come to their aid with drinking water, food items and clothing to help them survive, until they are able to return to their normal lives.
One of the affected victims, Georgina Wetsisaid “I am currently sleeping in someone’s house together with my children. I have lost my home which has six rooms as well as my farm.”
From Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu, Vome
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
