The overflowing of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams on the Volta River left more than 500 Ghanaian households inundated by raging waters, authorities said.
The flooding was caused by a controlled release of water at the dams by the Volta River Authority (VRA) that began in September and intensified on 9 October. The dam releases, the VRA said, were necessary because of rising water levels at the dams as a result of persistent rains.
As the VRA noted, authorities advised the public to move to higher ground even before the dam spillage work began.
The spill affected nearly all communities in the lower Volta Basin, causing widespread power cuts in affected households and reportedly forcing more than 4,000 residents in south-eastern Ghana to flee their homes.
The flooding has also forced the shutdown of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) substation in Sogakope in south-eastern Ghana.
"GRIDCo has undertaken this shutdown at the substation for safety reasons to mitigate the risk of electrocution, loss of life, and related dangers. Power will be restored as soon as the situation improves," the statement read.
The United Nations-affiliated Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System reported seven injuries in the disaster. Local media added that a Chinese national died after being swept away by the water while he was believed to be fishing.
Moreover, the spillage of the Akosombo Dam has reportedly had a devastating effect on the Aquaculture Research and Development Centre (ARDEC) that has been in operation for more than 30 years on the Volta Lake. ARDEC was established for research and the breeding of fish strains and has played a vital role in enhancing fish breeding in Ghana and the wider West African region.
Humanitarian support to the flood victims is being provided by the VRA and National Disaster Management Organization, which has already provided 1,000 bags of rice, vegetable oil, blankets, tents, clothes and other relief items.