Togbe Komla Sakpiti V, the Dufia of Bakpa Awadiwoekome, has expressed frustration over unfulfilled promises and prolonged delays by government officials, specifically the Minister of Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, regarding reconstruction efforts in communities affected by the Akosombo Dam spillage.
The chief’s comments, during an interview with Jude Duncan and Eno Safo on Sunday Breakfast on Channel One TV, reflect not only his disappointment but the growing dissatisfaction among his community.
According to Togbe Sakpiti V, numerous commitments made by the government have yet to translate into meaningful action.
In particular, he highlighted Oppong Nkrumah’s repeated public assurances of timely intervention, noting that while such statements are widely circulated, they have not led to tangible progress.
Togbe Sakpiti V disclosed that consultants had visited some affected areas in the previous week, reiterating promises that the necessary reconstruction work would soon commence. Yet, despite this recent visit and the promise of imminent action, there has been no sign of progress.
The chief explained that although the sites were assessed and steps were outlined, work is yet to start.
“One year on, we are just listening to people saying on their lips they are coming to do this, they are doing this and all that all over the media most especially the Minister of Works and Housing, my very good friend, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah who I may say I am a bit disappointed in him.
“I can confidently tell you that last week, the consultants were at the site. They promised me that they would come to clear the site and all that. But still, nothing has been going on there and it is rather unfortunate.”
Togbe Sakpiti V further pointed out that these persistent delays only intensify the suffering of his people and other communities along the Lower Volta Basin. Since the Volta River Authority (VRA) began the controlled spillage of the Akosombo Dam on September 15, 2023, residents in these areas faced severe flooding, which led to widespread displacement, property destruction, and significant disruption of daily life.
