Dzemeni Paramount Queenmother demands compensation for displaced residents, development projects

Following the unfortunate rage of the Volta Lake that claimed lives and properties, survivors are yet to receive compensation from the Volta River Authority(VRA).

The construction of the dam flooded part of the Volta River Basin and led to the subsequent creation of Lake Volta.

Lake Volta is the largest man-made lake in the world by surface area. covers 8,502 square The flooding that created the Lake Volta reservoir displaced many people and had a significant impact on the local environment, including seismic activity that led to coastal erosion; changed hydrology caused microclimatic changes with less rain and higher temperatures.

The soil surrounding the Volta River Authority was reported to have the sole responsibility to make payment as compensation to affected victims but it appears no amount of plea is making a meaningful impact on the fulfillment of that pledge. Residents of Dzemeni Tongor, a farming community within the South Dayi District of the Volta Region are still counting their losses and expectant for decent compensation. But it appears that is not going to see the light of day any time soon as all attempt to get VRA to redeem its pledge has proved futile. In an exclusive interview with Soireenews.com, the Paramount Queen Mother of the Dzemeni Traditional Area, Mama Elo IV is appealing to the government to impress upon the Volta River Authority to redeem its pledge of paying compensation to the victims. She however expressed disappointment about the unnecessary delay that has occasioned fulfillment of compensations to the affected residents. Painfully enough, she said her outfit has noted with grave concern that children of victims at some places including Rara have been placed on scholarship packages but for them, no one seems to be considering them for anything. As if that is not enough, her community has been deprived of potable drinking water despite living close to a major river source. Being a major business enclave, Dzemeni could boast of a buoyant market that generates huge revenues into the Assembly coffers for which reason roads in the area should at least be made motorable. She lamented saying, "Our roads are bad but we have Dzemeni market which attracts traders from all walks of life including Kumasi, Accra amongst others who patronize foodstuffs, charcoal, fish, and other products that generate a lot for the country yet we are regarded as a location that contributes to the National Economy. I believe that is why our roads are not seen as a necessity". Though Dzemeni is located close to a major water source, it is the worst hit with difficulty for portable drinking water. She said a barrel of drinking water sells at GHS300.00, a situation the Paramount Queenmother described as unbearable therefore appealing to the government to attend to their needs.