President John Dramani Mahama on Friday, October 2, 2026, visited flood-hit Hohoe in the Volta Region, presented relief items to displaced residents and announced that the owner of Dzata Cement has pledged 5,000 bags of cement to help rebuild homes destroyed by the River Dayi floods. The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) says about 5,336 people were displaced.
The floods struck on Monday, September 28, 2026, after heavy rainfall caused the River Dayi, which flows from neighbouring Togo, to overflow into low-lying communities in the Hohoe Municipality.
Hohoe Zongo and riverside areas were among the worst affected. GhanaTrends first reported the disaster when over 3,000 people were displaced as the River Dayi overflowed; the number has since risen above 5,000.
The President’s visit comes as local leaders say relief received so far is not enough to meet the needs of affected families.
Mahama donates relief items to Hohoe flood victims
According to the state broadcaster GBC, the relief items presented by the President included food, bedding, roofing sheets and other essential supplies. Quantities were not disclosed.
“We will leave it in the hands of the MP, MCE, and Regional Minister to distribute fairly so those affected receive these items,” Mr Mahama said.
He urged regional and municipal authorities to coordinate closely with NADMO in the relief effort.
Dzata Cement pledges 5,000 bags of cement for rebuilding
The President announced private sector support for reconstruction. “The owner of Dzata Cement who happens to be my younger brother has promised 5,000 bags of cement to help those affected,” he said.
The cement is intended for residents whose houses were destroyed or damaged by the floodwaters.
Mr Mahama also conveyed sympathies from his wife, Lordina Mahama, to the people of Hohoe.
Mahama links Hohoe floods to climate change
Addressing residents, the President blamed the disaster on increasingly extreme weather. “There’s something we call climate change… leading to extreme weather phenomena. This isn’t something that happens every year,” he said.
He explained that “continuous rainfall in Togo brought water down the River Dayi and flooded Hohoe’s low-lying areas, mostly the Zongo and riverside communities.”
Volta Regional Minister James Gunu thanked the President for the visit, saying the region “will forever remain grateful.”
Hohoe floods in figures
NADMO’s Volta Regional Directorate gave the following breakdown of the impact:
- People displaced: about 5,336 (NADMO); 5,140 in an October 1 update shared by Hohoe MP Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo
- Adult males displaced: 1,357
- Adult females displaced: 1,758
- Children displaced: 2,221 (985 boys and 1,236 girls)
- Households affected: 4,218
- Houses affected: about 400 (412 according to the MP’s update)
- Poultry lost: about 500 birds
- Farmland destroyed: one acre of coconut and four acres of plantain and cassava
NADMO listed the affected communities as Bla, Galikorpe, Zongo Nima, Martvin Down, Segbedenu, Water Ways Down, Kpoeta, Atabu, Kledzo and Panic Site.
Volta NADMO Director Pascal Agbagba said there was no destruction of public or critical infrastructure, and no schools or health facilities were damaged.
What the Hohoe floods mean for displaced residents
Many displaced residents are sheltering with friends and relatives, while others have been housed in classrooms and other available facilities. The Social Welfare Department has been identifying additional temporary accommodation.
Earlier relief from NADMO, the Hohoe Municipal Assembly and the MP’s office included mattresses, blankets, rice, tinned fish, cooking oil, buckets and insect repellents.
Health officials have been educating residents on safe drinking water, food hygiene and preventing waterborne diseases. Residents have also been told not to return to buildings that have not been assessed as safe.
MP Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo has warned that “the assistance received so far remains insufficient, and additional support is urgently required.”
What happens next for Hohoe flood relief
The relief items presented by the President will be distributed by the MP, the Municipal Chief Executive and the Volta Regional Minister. NADMO says tents and more food supplies are being prepared for delivery.
The 5,000 bags of cement are expected to support rebuilding once damaged homes are assessed. The MP has appealed to businesses, development partners, civil society groups and individuals to donate relief items and funds. Updates are expected from the Presidency and NADMO.
Key details at a glance
- President Mahama visited Hohoe on Friday, October 2, 2026.
- He presented food, bedding, roofing sheets and other relief items.
- Dzata Cement’s owner pledged 5,000 bags of cement for rebuilding.
- NADMO says about 5,336 people were displaced and 4,218 households affected.
- The floods began on Monday, September 28, after the River Dayi overflowed.
- Ten communities were affected, with Hohoe Zongo among the worst hit.
- No schools, health facilities or critical public infrastructure were damaged.
FAQs
What caused the Hohoe floods?
The floods were caused by heavy, continuous rainfall that made the River Dayi, which flows from Togo, overflow into low-lying communities in Hohoe on September 28, 2026.
How many people were displaced by the Hohoe floods?
NADMO says about 5,336 people were displaced across 10 communities, with 4,218 households affected.
What did Mahama give to Hohoe flood victims?
President Mahama presented food, bedding, roofing sheets and other supplies, and announced a pledge of 5,000 bags of cement from Dzata Cement’s owner to help rebuild homes.
President Mahama’s visit brings national attention and fresh support to Hohoe, where more than 5,000 people were forced from their homes by the River Dayi floods. With local leaders saying relief so far falls short, the 5,000-bag cement pledge and further NADMO supplies will be key to helping affected families rebuild.
