By Hebrews Pouyeli Kumako
A devastating mudslide from Mount Adaklu has destroyed a school building and several properties at Helekpe in the Adaklu District, triggering renewed fears over the safety of residents living at the foot of the mountain as Ghana approaches the peak of the rainy season.
The disaster, which has once again exposed the vulnerability of mountain communities in the area, has prompted urgent intervention from the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, and Adaklu Member of Parliament, Hon. Kwame Governs Agbodza, both of whom have described the situation as deeply alarming and a serious threat to lives and livelihoods.
According to reports monitored by News Volta on TV3, large volumes of mud and debris swept down from the mountain after heavy rainfall, destroying sections of a local school and damaging homes and personal belongings.
The latest incident marks the second major mudslide in the area, following a similar disaster in 2017, which also caused destruction and forced authorities to impose restrictions on activities around the mountain due to landslide risks.
Area Declared a Danger Zone
Following an assessment of the destruction, authorities have reportedly declared the affected section of Helekpe a danger zone, warning residents who continue to live close to the mountain to consider relocating for their own safety. Officials fear the situation could worsen significantly as the country enters the height of the major rainy season, increasing the risk of further landslides, flooding, and structural collapse. Regional Minister James Gunu expressed concern over the continued settlement of residents in high-risk zones despite previous warnings. He emphasized the need for urgent preventive action, including stronger community sensitization, possible evacuation plans, and collaboration with disaster management agencies to prevent loss of life.
MP Kwame Agbodza Raises Alarm
Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Governs Agbodza, also voiced serious concern, warning that many constituents remain exposed to danger due to their proximity to the mountain. He reportedly called for immediate technical assessments, improved drainage interventions, and support for affected families whose homes and livelihoods have been impacted by the disaster.
Residents have appealed for emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, relief supplies, and long-term protective measures to secure the community against future disasters.
The renewed mudslide has also raised broader concerns about environmental degradation, land use planning, and enforcement of safety regulations around vulnerable ecological zones. Experts say uncontrolled human activities, poor drainage systems, deforestation, and settlement expansion near mountain slopes can worsen the impact of heavy rainfall and increase the likelihood of landslides. Community members are urging government agencies, including the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), to act swiftly before the rains intensify.
For many families in Helekpe, fear is growing that more homes, schools, and community infrastructure could be destroyed if immediate interventions are not implemented.
As the rains begin to intensify, authorities are being urged to prioritize emergency preparedness, relocation planning, and long-term engineering solutions to protect lives.
The latest mudslide serves as a stark reminder of the growing environmental risks facing vulnerable communities in the Volta Region—and the urgent need for decisive action before tragedy strikes again.
Source News Volta
