File photo of house buried in mud slide
A white missionary residing at the foot of the Adaklu Mountain in the Volta Region has reportedly refused to comply with a directive to relocate from the area, nearly a month after authorities declared it a disaster zone following a devastating mudslide.
According to a myjoyonline.com report on June 18, 2026, Reverend Jacob Reddekopp, who operates a private school near the mountain, has remained on the premises despite an order from the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, for all residents in the affected area to vacate for their safety.
The disclosure was made by the Adaklu District Director of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), Desmond Sesi, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
The directive followed a destructive mudslide that struck Adaklu Helekpe on the night of May 20, 2026, after more than four hours of torrential rainfall.
The mudslide, which occurred on the 600-metre Adaklu Mountain, swept large rocks and debris down the slope, burying at least five houses and several vehicles.
Following an assessment visit to the scene, Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, declared the area a disaster and security zone, citing the continued risk to lives and property.
“We cannot guarantee the safety of anybody going there, so the mountain has been declared a security zone and should be condemned,” Gunu stated.
According to Sesi, a private school operated by Rev Reddekopp was temporarily closed following the disaster. However, the missionary has yet to move from the affected area.
The NADMO official said Rev. Reddekopp had indicated that he was uncertain where he and those under his care would relocate if they left the premises.
“He says he does not know where to move to after vacating the place,” Sesi told the GNA.
Authorities have since intensified efforts to persuade him to relocate to a safer location.
Sesi disclosed that the Adaklu District Chief Executive, Jerry Ameko, who also chairs the District Security Committee, is working with the District Education Directorate and NADMO to relocate pupils affected by the closure of the school.
The move is intended to ensure that the children's education is not disrupted.
He added that officials, together with community leaders from Adaklu Helekpe, recently met Rev Reddekopp to impress upon him the need to leave the area.
“We are doing everything in our power to enforce the directive by the Regional Minister and ensure that Rev. Reddekopp moves from the disaster zone,” Sesi said.
During a visit to the area after the disaster, Roads and Highways Minister and Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Governs Kwame Agbodza, cautioned residents against activities that increase the risk of landslides.
While acknowledging that natural disasters can occur, he noted that human activities such as indiscriminate tree felling and the destruction of vegetation on slopes can worsen the likelihood of such incidents.
He therefore urged residents to protect the environment and avoid practices that could trigger future disasters. Second mudslide in the area
The May 20, 2026 incident is reported to be the second mudslide to occur in the area.
Two people sustained injuries during the disaster and were admitted to the Ho Teaching Hospital for treatment. They have since been discharged.
Attempts by the Ghana News Agency to obtain comments from Rev Reddekopp were unsuccessful.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation as efforts to evacuate occupants from the disaster zone intensify.
VPO
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