Akosombo Dam spillage victims to receive compensation before end of 2026 – Gunu

The Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, has announced that the government will begin paying compensation to victims of the 2023 Akosombo Dam spillage before the end of 2026.

Gunu said President John Dramani Mahama had directed the Minister of Finance to release the necessary funds to facilitate payments to affected residents.

Speaking to the media after the 3rd Volta Regional Coordinating Council meeting, held at the Residence Conference Room on Thursday, August 20, 2026, the Regional Minister said processes were underway in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition to ensure that all eligible victims receive their compensation.

He said the move demonstrated the government’s commitment to addressing the difficulties faced by communities affected by the spillage.

Power supply projects

Gunu also outlined a number of measures being pursued to address persistent power challenges in the Volta Region.

According to him, the Ghana Grid Company Limited (GRIDCo) is expected to establish a substation at Adaklu, which will take Ho off the Asikpe network and provide the regional capital with a more reliable and independent power supply.

He added that about 306 communities across the region were expected to benefit from a special electricity connectivity initiative being implemented in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy and Green Transition.

The Minister further disclosed that GRIDCo was preparing to establish another substation at Ada to reduce pressure on the Accra grid and improve power reliability across the region.

Industrial development

On industrial development, Gunu said the government had secured a strategic investor for Volta Textiles Limited, with plans to revive the company and restore its operations.

He explained that cotton would be sourced from neighbouring Benin to supply the factory, allowing it to operate continuously and create employment opportunities.

He also said work on the Volta Economic Corridor was progressing, while efforts were underway to complete the regional cultural centre.

Development projects

Gunu said the Volta Region had made significant progress in several sectors since the government assumed office, with more than 600 projects currently being undertaken by Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies.

He said more than 371 projects were also being implemented in senior high schools across the region.

In the water and sanitation sector, the Minister disclosed that 184 boreholes were being drilled and mechanised, with 62 already completed and handed over for use.

He also highlighted the government’s Big Push road projects, which he said would improve connectivity among Ho West, Ho, Agotime-Ziope, Adaklu, Akatsi North, Ketu North and Ketu South.

According to him, ongoing sea defence projects were approximately 40% complete, with the government targeting the completion of several major projects promised to the region by 2028.

Aflao Market

The Regional Minister said preparations for the construction of the proposed Aflao Market were also at an advanced stage.

He disclosed that feasibility studies and design works had been completed and that a right of entry had been secured for the project.

Gunu said President Mahama had secured a US$30 million grant from the Chinese government to support the project.

He explained that the government was currently working with the Ministries of Finance and Local Government to secure financial commitment authorisation to enable procurement processes for the contractor to begin.

The Minister said President Mahama was expected to return to the region for the sod-cutting ceremony to officially commence construction of the Aflao Market.

Education and healthcare

Gunu said the Regional Coordinating Council had adopted a resolution to address disparities in the distribution of teachers across the region.

He explained that while some communities had more teachers than required, others continued to face serious shortages.

He therefore called on the Ghana Education Service, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, community leaders, retired teachers and student associations to support efforts to bridge the teacher gap and improve academic performance.

On healthcare, the Minister commended the Mahama Care programme, saying it was providing critical support to people living with non-communicable diseases who might otherwise struggle to afford medical treatment.

He said reports presented to the RCC indicated that beneficiaries were receiving assistance, helping to reduce the financial burden of healthcare on families.

Gunu urged residents of the Volta Region to maintain peace and unity, stressing that a stable environment was essential for attracting investment, creating jobs and accelerating development across the region.