The Tongu Flood Victims Association (TFVA) has called on President John Dramani Mahama and his National Democratic Congress (NDC) government to ensure transparency and fairness in the disbursement of the recently announced compensation packages for victims of the Akosombo Dam spillage disaster.
Speaking at a press conference on Sunday, May 4, 2025, Chairman and Spokesperson of the Association, Mr. Godson DeGaulle Hlordzi, accused some local authorities and state actors of corruption and mismanagement in the distribution of previous relief items and fund donations.
“Where is the money?” Mr. Hlordzi asked, demanding accountability from former North Tongu District Chief Executive, Mr. Divine Osborn Kwadzo Fenu, and other local authorities.
The Association used the medium to thank President Mahama and the NDC government for allocating GH₵220 million to support flood-affected communities.
However, Mr. Hlordzi raised serious allegations regarding the management of past relief efforts, claiming that although over GH₵200 million and millions more in foreign aid were donated in 2023–2024, the real affected victims received little to no direct financial assistance.
He listed several organisations and individuals who contributed significant sums and materials toward flood relief, but claimed that most of it never reached the intended beneficiaries.
“We are not against the traditional authorities in Tongu,” he clarified, “but we are currently drawing this attention to President Dramani Mahama and the general public to ensure transparency, equity, and sanity in how these funds are distributed,” he clarified.
The Association urged the government to disburse future compensation directly into victims’ bank accounts rather than channeling funds through chiefs or state-appointed officials.
They also raised concerns about inconsistencies in data collected on affected victims, with different numbers reported by the Mepe Development Association (MDA) and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The TFVA has furnished NADMO, Speaker of Parliament, Coordinating Director of North Tongu District Assembly, and the VRA with the data they have gathered on the real victims.
The Association is also now calling on the President to establish a committee of inquiry to verify all data before releasing any funds.
In response, the Chairman of the Mepe Development Association (MDA), Mr. Fabian Mawulenu Kojo, described the data collected by the MDA as “very credible and accurate.”
He stressed that the Association has taken measures to ensure that it covers all the people who had been adversely affected by the flood disaster.
The TFVA reiterated its commitment to peaceful advocacy for justice and equity, vowing not to remain silent if attempts are made to divert resources meant for their recovery.
“We will not allow others to benefit from what rightfully belongs to us,” Mr. Hlordzi stressed.
Story By: Freeman Koryekpor Awlesu
