Residents of Vea and surrounding communities in Ghana's Upper East Region are struggling to access basic services due to severe flooding caused by recent heavy rains. The floods have submerged the main road linking the communities to regional and district capitals, cutting them off from the outside world.
The Vea-Gowrie road lies between the Vea Dam and its spillway, built away from the main dam bank. After heavy rains, floodwaters flow onto the road, making it impassable. Communities like Zorko, Nyariga, Lungu, Balungu, Namoo, Sambolgo, Gambrongo and Vea town itself are now cut off from places like Gowrie, Zaare, Bongo and Bolgatanga.
When I visited the area after a heavy downpour, schoolchildren and government workers - especially teachers and health personnel - were stranded, unable to access their schools and health facilities. Traders and other daily commuters were also stuck, with some being ferried across in canoes. Several acres of farmland were inundated by floodwaters.
Dickson Nyaaba, a canoe operator, said he charges GH?5 to ferry one person across, and GH?12 for a person with a motorcycle. Teacher Priscilla Atanga said using the canoes to get to and from work daily is costly, risky and stressful. She appealed to the government to urgently address the issue.
Assemblyman Robert Ayariga, who provides free canoe rides for government workers, said the problem has persisted since the dam was built 60 years ago. During rainy seasons, commuters struggle to use the road, affecting education, health services and the economy. He said canoes have capsized in the past, damaging property and endangering lives, though fortunately no deaths so far.
Ayariga explained "We have two primary schools, two junior high schools and a health center. But since staff cannot reside here, they commute from Bolgatanga daily. Now some are not coming because they cannot cross, while others are afraid to ride the canoes."
He said appeals to authorities including the district assembly, Feeder Roads Department and Ghana Irrigation Development Authority to build a bridge have been futile. Ayariga said "As a community, we are calling on the government to come to our aid, even if they can construct a walkway for us to cross on foot, it will help greatly."
Bongo District Chief Executive Rita Atanga told me the issue is an annual problem, and she will work with stakeholders to address the challenge. But residents say they have heard such promises before, with no concrete action. They hope this time, the government will finally heed their plea and find a lasting solution to end their ordeal. Better access to education, healthcare and markets could helplp transformhese communities for good.
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