On September 15, 2023, the Volta River Authority started a controlled spill from the Akosombo and Kpong hydrological Dams. This was due to the heavy rainfall in the Volta River catchments areas, resulting in a fast rise in the water level at the Hydroelectric Akosombo Dam. The spill was, therefore, necessary to prevent the overtopping of the dam and to protect the dam’s integrity.

However, by the beginning of October, the water level was still rising rapidly, exceeding the maximum operating level of 276 feet. Following persistent rains and a continued rise in the water level, VRA increased the spill rate from October 9, 2023. This resulted in increased flooding in a number of communities in the North, South and Central Tongu Districts, as well as Ada East District.

On the 16^th of October 2023, Ms. Stella Kumedzro, the Volta Regional Environmental Health Officer together with other members of the Regional Rapid Response team comprising Dr. Chrisantus Kubio; Volta Regional Director of Health Services, Dr. Senanu Dzokoto; Deputy Director Public health and other Health Professionals visited the North, South and Central Tongu Districts to find out the state of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) as well as the health of the people in the affected communities.

The Regional Environmental Health Officer (REHO) in her interaction with the media indicated that most communities in the three Tongu districts have been displaced with their sanitation and water facilities submerged. This dreadful situation have implication on water, sanitation and hygiene which demands urgent attention.

She stated that, with the situation at hand, there is the possibility of outbreak of waterborne and other communicable diseases in the affected areas.Ms. Stella Kumedzro through the media made a passionate appeal to benevolent Ghanaians and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) to help avert the looming danger.