The MEPE Traditional Area has celebrated its 68th Afenorto Festival, a colorful and historic event, amidst mixed feelings due to the devastating effects of the recent Akosombo Dam flood disaster.
The festival was held under the theme “Rebuilding and Sustainability of Mepe post-Akosombu downflood disaster” and aimed to raise awareness about the plight of the flood victims and the need for support.
The flood disaster, which occurred in September and October 2023, displaced over 10,000 people and caused significant damage to properties and livelihoods.
“This year’s Afenorto Za is very historic and unique because it is being celebrated after the Akosombo Dam flood disaster wreaked havoc on the people of Mepe,” the Chief of MEPE Traditional Area said.
“We celebrate this year’s Afenorto Festival with mixed feelings, even as we make merry. We are constantly reminded of the existing devastating effects of the flood disaster and the continuous neglect of the victims,” he added.
The avoidable spillage from the Akosombo Dam significantly affected the socio-economic well-being of the community, with farmlands, homes, businesses, and places of worship being washed away.
The community is still struggling to recover from the disaster, with many people living in congested rooms or under tents in mosquito- and reptile-infested areas.
The Chief acknowledged the support received from the media, companies, foreign missions, NGOs, and individuals.
“I want to extend our gratitude to the media, companies, foreign missions, through their development agencies, NGOs, religious bodies, individuals, groups, sons and daughters of Mepa, and all well-meaning Ghanaians and others beyond the shores of Ghana, who supported us in diverse ways during and after the flood,” the Chief said.
However, he appealed that the community still needs support to rebuild their homes, restore their livelihoods, and access healthcare services.
“We urge the government to take immediate action to address the plight of the flood victims. We need support to rebuild our homes, restore our livelihoods, and access healthcare services,” the Chief appealed.
The community is also calling on the government to engage with them to agree on the way forward in alleviating the plight of displaced persons.
“We are aware that during the flood disaster, the president of Ghana set up an inter-ministerial committee to attend to the fallout of the flood disaster.
Sadly, the committee is yet to engage with the Mepe Traditional Council and the Mepe Development Association to agree on the way forward in alleviating the plight of displaced persons,” the Chief noted.
