Volta

Stakeholders are raising alarms over the rise in female genital schistosomiasis (FGS) at lakeside communities within the Volta Basin in the wake of the Akosombo Dam spillage. The river-borne tropical disease, also known as bilharzia, holds a significant share in causes of infertility and maternal morbidity, although registered among neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Mr Ben Sackey, the Director, Environmental and Sustainable Development Department of the Volta River Authority (VRA), said schistosomiasis was a “major challenge” that came with the spillage of the dam, and is now feared dominant in over 400 communities in five regions sharing the Volta Basin. The Director…