No Approach House: Women and Kids Stranded in Keta, Anloga and Ketu Floods – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

In the coastal districts of Keta, Anloga, and Ketu South in Ghana’s Volta Region, relentless floods have displaced thousands and turned daily life into a survival struggle. Heavy rains and the controversial spillage of water from the Akosombo Dam between September and October 2023 triggered a humanitarian crisis. Communities once known for their vibrant fishing and farming livelihoods now face shattered homes, destroyed schools, and an urgent need for safety. At the epicenter of this disaster are women and children, who bear the heaviest physical, emotional, and societal burdens.

Analysis

The Environmental Catalysts of the Floods

The floods were fueled by two primary factors: erratic rainfall patterns and infrastructure mismanagement. Between September 15 and October 30, 2023, prolonged rains saturated the Volta Basin, overwhelming natural drainage systems. Simultaneously, the Volta River Authority (VRA) released significant volumes of water from the Akosombo Dam to prevent catastrophic structural failure, a decision that exacerbated downstream flooding. This interplay of natural and human-driven forces highlights vulnerabilities in Ghana’s climate resilience frameworks.

Climate Change and Infrastructure Deficits

Experts, including those at the University of Ghana’s Centre for Climate Change and Sustainability, note that such events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The dam’s spillages, though intended as a precaution, exposed gaps in risk communication and community preparedness. Meanwhile, inadequate urban planning and deforestation have reduced the region’s capacity to absorb floodwaters, compounding the crisis.

Summary

The floods have displaced nearly 38,000 people, destroyed critical infrastructure, and disrupted education and livelihoods. Women, tasked with caregiving amid chaos, and children remain disproportionately affected. Despite emergency responses from organizations like NADMO and PleasureNews, the event underscores systemic failures in disaster preparedness. This article examines the causes, human costs, and urgent calls for sustainable reforms to prevent future catastrophes.

Key Points

VRA Spillage Triggered Catastrophic Flooding

The artificial discharge from the Akosombo Dam, necessary for dam integrity, directly contributed to widespread inundation. This decision, while technically justified, ignored local disaster preparedness, amplifying the crisis.

Women and Children Face Greatest Risk

Female-headed households and minors lack resources to recover. Mothers lose income from disrupted markets, while children miss schooling. Cultural expectations often force girls to abandon education to manage displacement needs.

Health and Sanitation Collapse

Stagnant water breeds malaria mosquitoes and bacteria. Overcrowded shelters complicate hygiene, raising fears of cholera outbreaks. Latrines collapse, forcing open defecation near homes.

Economic Devastation

Fishing communities lost boats and nets worth millions of cedis. Farmlands under floodwaters have left crops ruined, threatening food security. Small businesses, the backbone of local economies, face irreparable losses.

Practical Advice

Support Vulnerable Communities

• Donate: Contribute to humanitarian organizations like UNICEF or Red Cross for essential supplies.
• Advocate: Push for government policies prioritizing floodplains zoning and dam safety regulations.
• Educate: Raise awareness about climate adaptation through local workshops and radio campaigns.

Points of Caution

Unplanned Rebuilding Risks

Relocation without proper land-use planning could lead to future encroachments. Resettlement must include maternal and child-focused housing standards.

Gender Equity in Aid Distribution

Emergency responses often overlook gender-specific needs. Women require safe sanitation facilities and access to mental health services to mitigate long-term trauma.

Comparison

Floods in Keta vs. Historical Disasters

Unlike the 2021 floods, which primarily affected agricultural lands, the 2023 crisis targeted inhabited zones with existing infrastructure. The scale of displacement and health risks is unprecedented, revealing diminished adaptive capacity over time.

Legal Implications

Accountability for Authorities

Under Ghana’s Water Act and WHMA, the VRA is legally obligated to ensure public safety during spillages. Failure to coordinate with local agencies before dam releases may invite lawsuits for negligence.

Conclusion

The Keta floods demand more than emergency aid—they require transformative policies addressing climate adaptation, gender equity, and infrastructure resilience. As the 2023 crisis reshapes lives, lessons learned must prioritize the voices of women and children in rebuilding efforts.

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