Governance of Emergency Interventions During Natural Disasters: A Case Study of The Mepe Flooding, Ghana

Abstract

Background: Flooding, the overflow of water onto ordinarily dry land, has emerged as one of the most recurrent and devastating natural disasters globally. It often results from heavy rainfall, storm surges, river overflows, or dam-related operations. In Ghana, dam-mediated flooding has gained increasing attention due to the socioeconomic and health challenges it poses to downstream communities. In September 2023, the controlled spillage of the Akosombo and Kpong Dams by the Volta River Authority resulted in severe flooding across the Lower Volta Basin, particularly in Mepe and surrounding districts. This study examined the governance of emergency interventions during the Mepe flooding, focusing on coordination, equity, and the adequacy of response mechanisms. Methodology: The study employed a qualitative case study design, drawing on secondary data from media reports, institutional documents, and policy sources. Data were thematically analyzed using the Health Policy Triangle framework to explore how context, actors, content, and processes shaped the governance of the emergency response. Results: The study found that governance failures notably corruption, partisanship, and tribalism underpinned the fragmented coordination, delays, and poor communication observed in the disaster. The study further highlighted inequities in the distribution of relief items, insufficient consideration for vulnerable populations, and the politicization of aid delivery. Despite notable efforts by the Volta River Authority, NADMO, local authorities, and NGOs, the response remained largely reactive, exposing systemic gaps in preparedness, accountability, and inter-agency collaboration. Conclusion: The study concludes that the governance of emergency interventions during the Mepe flooding was constrained by institutional weaknesses and contextual factors that undermined the timeliness and equity of relief efforts. Strengthening Ghana’s disaster governance framework, therefore, requires proactive planning, decentralization of response authority, and inclusive community engagement to enhance resilience and trust in future emergencies.